Leeds United transfer news as Real Betis development emerges on Junior Firpo

Leeds United are still yet offer Junior Firpo a new contract as the Dominican's entourage prepare a move back to Real Betis, according to TEAMtalk.

TEAMtalk reported on 5 January that with the left-back's deal heading towards expiry this summer, Firpo's camp are "laying the groundwork" for him to head back to the club where he made his name.

The report adds that contact has been made between Betis and Firpo's intermediaries and his camp are open to a deal happening.

United signed the 28-year-old from Barcelona in 2021 after he'd made the move from Betis two years prior, but has only become a regular and consistent feature in the side since the Peacocks' relegation.

However, despite Firpo being one of Daniel Farke's key attacking outlets for United in 2024, any offer of a new deal is yet to be tabled, with their number three's camp reciprocating Betis' interest in him.

Junior Firpo looks now inevitable at Leeds United

For all that Firpo has become a cult hero at Elland Road since the Whites' relegation to the Championship in 2023, he's not proven to be the Premier League-level left-back the club thought they were getting.

Regardless, allowing a key player's contract to reach its final six months – thus allowing him to speak with clubs outside England this month – provides an unneccesary distraction in the promotion push [Jon Newsome, 14 December].

Following Firpo's latest injury, likely to rule him out until the end of January, Sam Byram and Maximilian Wober have deputised at left-back, but neither provides the attacking output to a similar level.

A new contract offer looks unlikely given January is upon the club, and with other areas to address in the transfer window – namely the goalkeeping position – Farke's attention will undoubtedly be elsewhere.

If Firpo can beat the seven assists he recorded last season to help United make their way back to the Premier League, his cult status will be retained, but they could be the last things he does in a white shirt.

In other Leeds news, a Championship manager being sacked could prove vital to one forgotten star’s chances of an exit.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.