Junior Firpo receives multiple offers from England in new Leeds exit twist
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo appears to be on the brink of sealing an exit in the upcoming transfer window.
The Dominican Republic international moved to Elland Road from Barcelona back in 2021 and has made over 100 first-team appearances.
He has become the first-choice left-back for Leeds, but things may be different in the Premier League next season.
Real Betis favourites to sign Firpo despite offers from England
Firpo’s contract at Leeds runs out at the end of June, so it’s possible he’s played his last game for them.
Graeme Bailey told EFL Analysis, his stay beyond this summer is currently viewed as “impossible” with an exit set in stone.
Even during the bus parade when they celebrated their Championship win, it appeared that he was bidding farewell to the fans with his teammates already knowing his fate.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Championship | 32 | 4 | 10 |
Real Betis are currently understood to be the frontrunners to secure his services, while Barcelona were also linked.
It’s understood that the left-back, who’s on £60k/week, even had multiple offers from England, but a return to Spain is what’s on the cards.
Bailey said: “Firpo’s going definitely… he’s on a huge contract and while he had a good Championship season, did he warrant what he was on?
“A really big deal made it almost impossible for him to stay really, especially going back up to the Premier League.
“He’s going back to Spain. He’s got offers in England, but it looks like he’s going back to Spain. He even had Barcelona possibly interested.
“He could have gone back as a reserve left-back. It sounds silly, but obviously, as a homegrown Spanish player, it could have worked. I think he will go to Real Betis, but he’s got options, and he’s definitely leaving.”
Leeds need to rope in a quality left-back
With Firpo’s contract nearing its end, Leeds must prioritise signing a left-back in their prime who excels both defensively and offensively to maintain their competitive edge in the Championship and beyond.
The 28-year-old, while dynamic going forward, has often been exposed defensively, leaving gaps that opponents exploit.
A prime-age left-back, aged 25-28, would bring the physicality, tactical discipline, and peak performance needed to solidify Leeds’ backline.
Defensively, this player must be adept at one-on-one duels and positional awareness to counter wingers, addressing vulnerabilities seen in Leeds’ 2024/25 campaign.
Offensively, they should contribute overlapping runs, precise crosses and interplay with wingers, aligning with Daniel Farke’s fluid, attacking system.
A versatile left-back could elevate Leeds’ promotion push, offering balance and consistency.
Securing such a signing ensures long-term stability, replacing Firpo’s flair with a well-rounded upgrade to drive Leeds back to the Premier League.