Leeds United to avoid ‘difficult’ situation as Junior Firpo replacement ready
Paul Robinson has urged Leeds United to sell Junior Firpo this summer, who is heading into the final 12 months of his contract at Elland Road.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post [13 June], the 28-year-old full-back’s future is unlikely to be resolved this summer, with Daniel Farke unlikely to sanction his exit.
This would see Firpo leave Elland Road on a free transfer next summer as his contract ticks down, which has caused Robinson to advise for his sale in the current transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “It’s a difficult one because a player is in control when he’s got 12 months left on his contract. If the club can’t move him on, and he’s not going to sign a new contract and potentially leave on a free next summer, it’s not good for the club.
“The club need to get this sorted. I never like to see players enter the final 12 months of their contract when they’re actually holding value. The value of him staying for another season and helping the club get back to the Premier League, will he have that much impact in a Championship season that it’s worth the financial miss on selling him this summer?
“Is he replaceable? Yes, he’s replaceable. If he’s not going to stay beyond 12 months and is looking to leave on a free, you cash in now. It’s difficult for a club when a player has a year left on his contract and the player hasn’t signed a new deal, but we don’t know what the case is.
“If he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to stay and doesn’t want to stay any longer than next summer, you cash in and get what you can now because he’s not going to have that big of a part in a Premier League push.”
Could Junior Firpo depart Leeds United this summer before becoming a free transfer?
With seven assists in the 2023/24 Championship campaign, it would certainly be possible to offload the left-back this summer rather than wait for his contract to expire.
Leeds must raise funds to pay off unpaid transfer fees this summer, with Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray all linked with moves away.
Those players, however, are much more vital for the Whites, and Firpo would be a much easier player to replace in the transfer window if his exit were to be sanctioned.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are finalising a deal to sell Marc Roca in a transfer worth millions at Elland Road.
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