Leeds United defender Junior Firpo appears set for Elland Road stay beyond the summer
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo appears to have found a new lease of life under Javi Gracia and appears to be playing his best football in a while.
He moved to Elland Road in the summer of 2021 from Barcelona and there were high hopes from a player who had expectations of being a long-term left-back at Camp Nou.
However, he struggled in his first season at the club and battled a number of injuries which gave Leeds fans very few glimpses of his talent.
This season, he even lost his spot to Pascal Struijk, who played out of position at left-back, but since he’s back in the side, he has proven that he deserves to be the first choice.
Anyone who’s watched Leeds regularly for the past two months would notice that the 26-year-old has been one of their best players.
Yorkshire Evening Post’s Joe Donnohue pointed it out on Twitter and wrote, “Not only are Leeds averaging two more crosses per game from the left, they’ve been especially effective with them. Found this particularly interesting: 16 of #LUFC‘s 33 open play crosses from the left since Gracia arrived have found their target. ~50% success rate is very good.
“Firpo making underlapping runs into the box when Leeds have the ball out wide means teams are unable to double-up on/engage the man in possession – usually Gnonto or Harrison. That’s one reason why #LUFC have been able to cross a lot more.”
It now seems unfathomable to drop and there may have been considerations of selling him, but with how well he’s playing, that can be ruled out.
Calciomercatoweb reported on 14 March that Inter Milan want to sign him and are even prepared to make a move for him.
Unless it’s an offer that’s too good to turn down, we do not see Leeds letting go of him.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have yet another injury concern going into the international break as player has trouble with his left ankle after the Wolves win.
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