Junior Firpo contract update emerges as exit-linked Leeds United defender enters final year
Junior Firpo has given Leeds United the green light to work out a contract extension at Elland Road, according to TEAMtalk.
The outlet’s website reported on 12 September that the left-back is “very happy” with the Whites and is ready to commit his future to the club, although he would like to know the “intentions and ambitions” in West Yorkshire before he signs.
The former Barcelona defender and his family are said to be “extremely” settled where they are but he wants to see if the club are capable of mounting an promotion push this term.
Firpo, 28, can discuss a pre-contract with clubs overseas from January as his current deal expires next summer.
Junior Firpo has become key for Daniel Farke at Leeds United
It’s a mark of the full-back’s rapid improvement in the past year that a free transfer exit would now come as a notable blow to Daniel Farke and the fans, especially after the international break revealed he could be a surprise attacking option.
Prior to last season he was often the scapegoat for Leeds’ struggles in defence as fitness and form issues plagued his time in the Premier League.
But after returning from yet another long-term lay-off he made the left-back spot his own under Farke last term and had a major impact with eight assists, and another this season.
Isaac Schmidt’s Deadline Day arrival has provided cover if a deal can’t be worked out, but it would be a disappointment to see Firpo go just as he has finally established himself.
Despite his form last season he was still a candidate to be sold during the summer [Daily Mail, 1 July] so if the club aren’t as committed to him as he appears to be to them it could prevent a new contract being agreed.
Failure to secure promotion last term led to a host of stars leaving – Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter – and Firpo will know the same outcome is on the cards if Farke’s side miss out again.
At his age the next few years will be the last prime campaigns so he will feel the pressure, as Leeds United do as a whole, of returning to the top flight while the window to do so is still open.
In other Leeds United news, Angus Kinnear has admitted to “tension” during the transfer window with Farke after issues signing a number 10.
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