Leeds United transfer stance on Junior Firpo is clear after what Daniel Farke said
Junior Firpo is a player whose Leeds United future has not always been overly clear.
But that has surely changed now after Daniel Farke said about his first-choice left-back last week.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post following United’s 3-0 fwin over Harrogate Town in their first pre-season friendly (19 July), Farke emphasised that Firpo is an important player in the squad going forward.
Firpo, who opened the scoring from close range in the 12th minute, has been linked with a £4.2million move to Real Betis this summer [Mucho Deporte, 19 July], which would leave the Whites’ left-back stocks thoroughly depleted.
On his number three, Farke said: “I never made a secret out of it that I think that Junior Firpo on this level is an outstanding full-back, with his experience, his technical ability, his strength going forward.
“He is one of the more experienced lads in my group, and for that he is also a key player in my thoughts going forward. Of course he will be important.”
Leeds United have to keep hold of Junior Firpo this summer
While Firpo has entered the final 12 months of his Elland Road contract, meaning he could leave the club for free next summer, it is in United’s best interests to retain his services for the coming season.
The Whites have addressed the vacancy they had on the right-hand side of defence with the signing of Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United, but another opening up on the left would spell trouble for Farke.
Although Sam Byram is comfortable in either full-back position, Firpo is the only out-and-out left-back on United’s books, and adds an attacking presence which few Championship defenders are capable of.
Therefore, unless Betis offer a fee that the Peacocks simply can’t turn down – unlikely given their cut-price deals for both Marc Roca and Diego Llorente already this summer [Marca, 8 July] – he should be staying put.
Firpo’s strong start to pre-season may spur him on to finish the job and help get the Whites promoted to the Premier League – if that happens, the incoming windfall will surely give the club enough financial muscle to let him leave for free.
In other Leeds news, some of the club’s regular away supporters have been left shocked at the latest ticketing update.
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