Leeds United transfer news as Junior Firpo exit already on cards in January

Journalist Dean Jones believes there is a "pretty high chance" of Junior Firpo's exit from Leeds United during the January transfer window.

The defender has made only three appearances this season, accumulating a total of 116 minutes on the pitch, with an injury hampering his succession at Elland Road once again.

It seems that the 27-year-old's story with Leeds is slowly coming to a close and could end as early as the winter transfer window, with his head likely turned.

"There is a pretty high chance that Firpo will leave Leeds in January if they can get a good offer for him," Jones told GIVE ME SPORT.

"If he has had his head turned by the idea of going back to Betis, I think it's understandable if they look to cash in.

"I thought it was a good transfer when he first joined Leeds, to be honest, but that was more based on what I had previously seen at Betis than Barcelona.

"It hasn't worked out as well as expected."

It is understood that the player may be tempted by a move back to Spain, with French news outlet Foot Mercato linking the defender with a transfer to his former club Real Betis last month.

Just wasn't meant to be

While Firpo's frustrations at lack of game time may be a concern, the Whites have no obligation to fulfil his wishes as his current contract at the club runs out in June 2025.

However, if Daniel Farke is to continue leaving the player out of the starting XI, as he is entitled to do, Leeds may want to offload Firpo and his wage.

It has been a disappointing time in England for the Dominican Republic full-back. Since making the switch from Barcelona in 2021, Firpo has managed to make just 54 outings in an injury-stricken three seasons at the club.

With 30-year-old Sam Byram deputising his position, having joined on a free transfer in the summer, and Djed Spence, Archie Gray, and Jamie Shackleton all capable of filling the position, Firpo's minutes look limited even after a return from injury.

The player still has a lot of love for the Elland Road faithful, as admitted in a recent interview, but it may be time for him to move on and find a new challenge elsewhere.

In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit has shared what a Whites player with a big price tag around his neck has told him.