Archie Brown has emerged as a target for Leeds United with the Englishman impressing in Belgian football with Gent and he might be the ideal replacement for Junior Firpo – but there’s a problem.
The 21-year-old made the surprise leap to join Swiss side Lausanne in 2021, having failed to make to win a senior debut at Derby. His form at Lausanne earned him a move to Gent in the summer. First choice.
His form in Belgium has attracted Leeds. A move for the left-back will have to wait until the summer, as Brown has already played for two clubs this term – playing three times for Lausanne before joining Gent.
Daniel Farke said in the lead up to Tuesday night’s loss to Sunderland that he knew the club needed a left-back, even before injuries to Junior Firpo and Sam Byram. Firpo is being linked with Real Betis.
With Byram impressing and likely to have done enough to earn a new deal beyond June, Firpo is almost certain to leave Leeds. Brown is showing he could be a long-term replacement for Firpo, shining at Gent.
Archie Brown the perfect Leeds replacement for Junior Firpo
But there are problems. The first being that he cannot be signed until the summer – but that may help us in that Firpo and Byram can be our options until then, before luring Brown to Elland Road in the summer.
The other issue, is that Leeds are not alone in pursuit of Brown. The Mail say Everton and Burnley are also keen on the defender. A move to a Premier League side may tempt Brown ahead of joining Leeds.
So, there are issues but in terms of Brown as a player – he has the potential to not only replace Firpo, but to become even better than the former Barca man. Certainly, in a Leeds shirt. One to keep an eye on.
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