Junior Firpo contract update emerges from Spain after Leeds United scenes
Leeds United will return to the Premier League next season, but they may still struggle to keep some of their best players.
Daniel Farke’s side won the Championship with 100 points, but it will face a tough task as they attempt to stay up in the top flight with PSR restrictions.
Leeds had several outstanding performers across the team throughout the season, and left-back Junior Firpo was once again a highlight.
However, Firpo is out of contract this summer, and as things stand, he could be set to leave despite a desire to keep him at Leeds.
Leeds want to keep Firpo
Firpo has been linked with several clubs, including a shock return to Barcelona, and a move to Spain could be on the cards.
The 28-year-old did hint that he wanted a new deal at Leeds during the bus parade celebrations earlier this week.
| Junior Firpo stats | 2024/25 Championship |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 10 |
His teammate Ethan Ampadu also chanted “Real Betis,” perhaps indicating that Firpo is set to return to his old club.
Spanish outlet SPORT has reported in its print edition (May 7, page 25) that Leeds want to hand Firpo a new contract, but Betis are “pushing” for him to return to the Benito Vilamarin this summer.
It is reported that Leeds are keen on a one-year deal, but it is unclear what kind of terms Betis are offering to the fullback.
Losing Firpo would be a huge blow
Leeds will be desperate to keep Firpo at the club after his stellar campaign saw him contribute heavily in attack and defence, recording 10 assists from left-back.
Losing a player of Firpo’s quality would be a disaster, particularly given that they would not receive a transfer fee for him.
Betis are seemingly keen on bringing Firpo back as an upgrade on their other left-backs, with Ricardo Rodriguez ageing and Romain Perraud inconsistent throughout the season.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are pushing to qualify for the Champions League, and should they succeed, then a return to Seville may be tempting for Firpo over staying at Elland Road.
Firpo has made over double the number of appearances for Leeds than he did for Betis, but if he feels he has unfinished business there, keeping him would be a tough ask.