Leeds United transfer strategy revealed to replace Junior Firpo – Exclusive
Leeds United have had an eventful start to the transfer window as they prepare a squad fit for the Premier League.
The Peacocks secured several early signings, with Luka Nmecha and Jaka Bijol through the Elland Road door.
However, there have been bumps in the road, with Leeds missing out on Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and Reinildo Mandava.
The Whites have also lost Junior Firpo, who looks set to join Real Betis after his contract expired, with a new left-back desperately needed.
Leeds United to take balanced approach after Firpo transfer
Leeds will need to find a replacement for Firpo, who could be set to sign a three-year contract with La Liga side Real Betis.
The Dominican was a standout performer last season, notching 14 goal involvements from left-back.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, has weighed in on how the Peacocks may go about replacing him.
“You’ve still got to balance the ins and the outs,” he said.
“It’s brilliant to get promoted back to the Premier League and obviously all the financial upside that comes with it.
“But no club at the minute is in the space of being able to just open the chequebook and just spend without concern, because there’s the other side of the equation on outgoings.
“There’s obviously PSR and the financial regulation system still in place, so you have to caveat any incomings with what might happen with outgoings as well.
“Whether or not that’s part of your plan, you might get an offer that’s too good to turn down, or you might have to shift a player on where you perhaps didn’t want to.
“There is a strategy there, ultimately, and hopefully the club can stick to that and execute it, but it can also vary day to day because the nature of the window just dictates that as well.”
Firpo leaves, but who could replace him at Elland Road?
There is a Firpo-sized hole on the left side of Daniel Farke’s defence, and it needs to be filled.
While Reinildo may have been a target, he is off to Sunderland, but several names have been linked with the Yorkshire club.
Ian Darke has tipped Ben Chilwell to join Leeds while speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, while he believes Charlie Cresswell could be another option.
Lille star Gabriel Gudmundsson appears to be the preferred option, though.
However, while the Peacocks must ensure they get Firpo’s replacement right, they know what can happen if they dally for too long.
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