Leeds ‘happy to get rid of Firpo’ with plan written up on Farke’s desk
Junior Firpo has staked his claim for the long haul at Leeds United so far this season, impressing supporters with his performances.
The 28-year-old left-back is out of contract this summer and remains in a precarious position with his future, due to Leeds’ uncertainty at what division they will be competing in next season.
The Whites advanced their case for promotion on Monday night (17 February) with a dramatic comeback win over Sunderland, courtesy of substitute Pascal Struijk’s double, as Firpo again started on the left of the backline.
Firpo hit by brutal Premier League verdict
Firpo is likely to be dispensed with this summer by Leeds United rather than extending his contract, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, believes Farke and the board would not envisage survival back in the top flight with the squad they currently have, which has blown rival Championship rosters out of the water.
Darke says Leeds will earn promotion at the second time of asking this season, meaning Firpo’s uncertain future is likely to tilt the way of a departure due to the defender’s own belief he can secure a lucrative move elsewhere.
“Possibly now, Firpo wants to play at the top level. He’ll think after doing well that he deserves big money in the Premier League if Leeds don’t make it. Who knows what’s on a bit of paper on the desk of Farke about what he might be doing in the summer, and what positions he’s looking at upgrades in,” Darke explained.
“I reckon he might be looking at that squad, Firpo included, and saying ‘we’re probably not going to be good enough to stay up with the team we’ve got now’ – that’s just been the way it’s worked out for promoted clubs.
“I think Leeds will make it, and so I think he’ll want upgrades. It could be that Leeds would be happy to see Firpo on his way.”
Leeds United need ‘upgrades’
Leeds United have been urged to consider significant summer upgrades to their squad should they finally achieve their ambition of a return to the bright lights of the Premier League.
The last-gasp Elland Road win over Sunderland made many stand up and take notice that promotion is almost within the grasp of Farke’s side, having now moved onto 72 points – seven above third-placed Burnley.
Firpo was criticised during his last spell in the top flight, when he was regularly found wanting against the country’s best wide players during the 2022-23 season which saw Leeds relegated.
Farke confirmed there has still been “no energy” for contract renewal talk on the Dominican Republic international due to the rigorous schedule of matches (Adam Pope, 10 February).