Graham Smyth shares conditions for Firpo contract extension at Leeds United
Graham Smyth believes Leeds United will offer Junior Firpo a new contract if they secure promotion to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Elland Road as his hopes of renewing on fresh terms suffered a blow as news confirmed the injury sustained in the 2-0 win against Derby County will leave Firpo sidelined for “four to six weeks”.
However, Smyth shared his belief that Firpo will remain in West Yorkshire beyond the current season on the Inside Elland Road podcast [13 December, 42:17] amid the squad overhaul that awaits the Whites in the top flight.
He said: “Yes – In the event of promotion, Leeds United are going to have to do a grand body of work when it comes to recruitment. They’re going to have to bring in a lot of players.
“I think they’re probably going to want a starting left back, but at the age Junior Firpo is, the experience he has, the identification he’s got with the club, the attacking ability he’s got. If you’re needing a goal late in a game, he’s a very, very offensive left back.
“If Daniel Farke is still in charge, he knows Farke’s system. I think he’s done enough [for a new contract].”
Will Leeds United offer Junior Firpo a new deal?
The Firpo contract saga is set to drag on at Leeds as conflicting reports emerge regarding whether the full-back will agree on fresh terms.
Joe Donnohue, who appeared alongside Smyth on Inside Elland Road, reported via the Yorkshire Evening Post on Thursday [12 December] that the Whites are unlikely to offer a contract renewal.
Furthermore, Farke is actively pursuing full-back targets ahead of the January transfer window, as FC Nordsjaelland defender Daniel Svensson and Falkirk full-back Keelan Adam are on the radar in West Yorkshire.
However, Leeds are still operating under tight PSR constraints, and while securing promotion to the Premier League will go a long way in easing the financial concerns, the less expenditure spent on player acquisitions, the better.
Firpo has been a consistent performer for the Whites in the Premier League and Championship, and should they guarantee passage to the top flight, Farke would be best served addressing other problem areas on the pitch.
Of course, the Dominican Republic international holds all the cards when determining his future with the January transfer window weeks away, but still, allowing Firpo to walk out the door would undoubtedly hurt Leeds in the long run.
In other Leeds news, Max Wober doubts emerge at the Whites ahead of the clash against Preston.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.