Junior Firpo likely to settle for Leeds United exit after recent announcement
Junior Firpo has been the subject of interest across the course of this season, given his delicate contractual situation at Leeds United.
Approaching the end of the deal he signed in 2021 this summer, there appears to have been little progress made on new terms for the 28-year-old, with Daniel Farke insisting there are more important priorities at play.
This makes it seem as if Farke is happy to let Firpo’s contract run down at Elland Road – but, in fairness, the left-back will likely be content enough to begin a new career chapter at this stage regardless.
Firpo fine with leaving Leeds United this summer
It’s a shame for Leeds that they have enabled Firpo to reach this stage in his contract. For all his flaws in the Premier League, he has been excellent in the Championship when fit and brings tremendous athleticism up the left-hand side.
However, how a player performs in the most talented squad in the second tier compared to suspect displays in the top flight, represents exactly the dilemma which pegs Firpo’s contract further down the urgent to-do list on the desks of Farke and the board.
Like many before him, it is a wonder whether Firpo is one of those who falls into the ‘in-between’ category of the Premier League and Championship. It could also be the case for several other members of Farke’s squad and should they earn promotion as expected, the manager will demand immediate strengthening.
Meanwhile, reports this week from Sport have revealed Real Betis want to sign Firpo, who will feel at prime age of his career – as the old cliche goes, one last ‘big’ contract – an opportunity in a European-pushing La Liga side could be a fruitful move to make.
Alongside this, Firpo has also signed with a new agency this week, as announced on Instagram.
TV commentator and football expert Ian Darke also claimed in the past few days that Leeds and Firpo would be happy to part ways in a move which could suit all parties.
Daniel Farke focused solely on promotion
Farke, understandably, has nothing but the Premier League on his mind. Given his name would be the first on the chopping block should the mission fail for a second time, Farke must keep tunnel vision towards promotion.
The board and recruitment staff need to be sorting out these contractual fulfillments over the coming years to avoid the lack of power they hold over the future of players like Firpo, who have raised their value with their performances this season.
As well as Firpo, Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui are the remainder of the first team with contracts expiring at the end of this season. Byram is keen to stay at Leeds United and has filled in well this season, often in Firpo’s place.
Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell will have their loan spells assessed in the off-season with regards to future plans, and there will certainly be huge simultaneous pressure on signings.
Real Betis, the latest interested suitors for Firpo having previously bid for Mateo Joseph, are currently eighth in the Spanish top flight – just three points off the top six which are all guaranteed European qualification.