Daniel Farke has been asked to share an update on the future of Junior Firpo with his contract at Leeds United set to expire in the summer.
Firpo joined on a four-year-deal from Barcelona in 2021 but it is only really in 2024 that he has been able to show the best version of himself.
The 28-year-old is into double figures for assists in this calendar year and given his run of form, Leeds fans have started asking the question as to whether he will be extending his stay at Elland Road.
Unfortunately, Firpo is out injured for the next six weeks but once he does return, is set to play a crucial role in Leeds’ promotion push during the second half of the season.
But with just over six months remaining on his deal, European clubs are able to start talking to him over a potential pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer, with Besiktas reportedly keen.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke shares new Leeds United injury update ahead of PNE as he hints at two ‘late decisions’
Farke responds to question on Firpo’s Leeds future
Firpo’s contract is certainly a difficult situation for Leeds as they won’t know for a number of months what division they are playing in next season.
If Leeds do secure promotion, it is likely they would look to upgrade at left-back considering how difficult Firpo found the Premier League last time.
On the other hand, Firpo is unlikely to want to spend another season playing Championship football, even if he is settled in the area of Leeds with his family.
Speaking in his pre-Preston North End press conference, Farke was asked whether talks had begun with Firpo about his future, to which he responded that now is not the right time.
He said: “No at the moment there is no time to speak about the future. We are playing all three days and also obviously during the injury he should concentrate on the proper rehab. There will be the moment we talk about this topic. As you know he had a difficult start to life at Leeds United.
“We backed him a lot, at least under my regime and he has developed fantastically, delivered really good performances, and also developed his personality to take more responsibility. We are delighted with his development but it’s much, much too early to speak about anything that happens beyond the summer.
“Right now it’s just come on, let’s deliver, let’s concentrate to get fit again. Last week it was difficult for him with his rhythm, he had such a good start to the season.
“Then some difficult games, also due to the suspensions, they weren’t ideal. Right now the injury is the most important topic for him. Come back, find your rhythm, find your confidence, game time and then will be the time to speak about the future.”
When is Firpo due back from injury for Leeds?
With the busiest part of the season up ahead, Firpo’s injury really did come at the worst possible time for Leeds.
And unfortunately, he won’t playing any part of the festive period with Farke confirming earlier this week he will not play again until mid-January.
He said: “Sadly, it is bad news regarding Junior Firpo. It is a serious muscle injury in his hamstring. Doctors expect him to be out for 4-6 weeks. It means he will definitely be out for the festive period, next seven games.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
