Daniel Farke to be delivered New Year Leeds United gift after what was said about exit-bound Junior Firpo
Daniel Farke is set to receive his transfer wish at Leeds United heading into the New Year with replacements for potentially exit-bound Junior Firpo being lined up.
The 28-year-old is unsure whether his long-term future lies at Elland Road beyond the current season [Yorkshire Evening Post] and seemingly the sentiment is shared with the club, with frustrations growing after his latest FA ban for his headbutt on Danny McNamara in the 1-0 loss against Millwall [Graham Smyth, 9 November].
James Smailes reported via Leeds Live [14 November] that Firpo is expected to leave the Whites at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract and work has already begun to replace the Dominican Republic international.
Leeds United are set to move on from Junior Firpo
Alex Davies was recently promoted to head of recruitment at Leeds following Jordan Miles’ departure [The Athletic, 14 November], he will face his first real test in identifying the perfect replacement for Firpo.
The full-back initially struggled at Elland Road but has become a fan favourite with some impressive displays in the Championship.
However, with the side expecting to return to the Premier League next season, plans are already in place to build a squad capable of retaining top-flight status and avoid a swift return to the second tier.
Gent full-back Archie Brown has emerged as the priority target for Leeds and would be viewed as a “massive coup” for the club with Chelsea and Tottenham also in the hunt for his signature – the former Derby County academy prospect could be tempted with the promise of regular minutes at Elland Road.
The 22-year-old has been in stellar form for the Belgian Pro League outfit this year and while he may not be an immediate improvement on the experienced Firpo, he would be viewed as a long-term successor and a homegrown option nonetheless.
Dennis Cirkin has entered the frame in recent weeks but, with Sunderland leading the Championship table as it stands, the Black Cats are unlikely to sell their star left-back to another side that could be vying for Premier League survival next term.
Therefore, Brown is the more attractive prospect for the Whites and should be targeted even if Firpo somehow signs fresh terms in West Yorkshire but, his departure would make it all the easier to complete the swoop.
In other Leeds news, a £12m Joel Piroe exit claim has been made at Elland Road.
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