Leeds United are now just four days away from starting the 2024-25 season when The Whites play host to Portsmouth at Elland Road, and Junior Firpo is excited by one Leeds youngster.
Daniel Farke has overseen a brilliant pre-season campaign in which Leeds have secured four wins from four, beating Harrogate Town, Hannover 96, Schalke and then La Liga giants Valencia 2-1 on Saturday.
New signings Jayden Bogle and Joe Rothwell have impressed, while youngsters Charlie Crew, James Debayo and Sam Chambers have staked their claim for game time during the 24-25 season under Farke.
Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober are back, too. But there is one young player that has caught the eye of left-back Firpo ahead of Portsmouth, and believes the “special” talent can shine over the next year.
Junior Firpo excited by Leeds United talent Mateo Joseph
Taking a look at the Leeds squad and depth in each position, there is an argument to be made for new signings and most roles. The 49ers have conducted a fire sale and it sees Leeds lack a multitude of depth.
However, one position Leeds find themselves well-stocked is up top. Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt will be vying for a start against Portsmouth on Saturday before the new term.
Joseph, 20, looks as though he will be first choice after four goals in four games in pre-season, starting against Valencia. Speaking to the Evening Post, Firpo says he is excited to see what Joseph has to offer.
“With Mateo it’s a special thing, he came here when he was really young and I’ve been with him all these years. I could see him growing up, being the player he is right now. He’s not just scoring goals,” he said.
“He’s scored a lot in pre-season – it’s all the work that he puts in, the effort, he tracks back defending with us, holding the ball up, going on the counter, I think he has everything to be a really, really good striker.”
What does Joseph preference mean for the other three?
The 49ers have shown this summer that they lack sympathy. They are nonchalant and if a solid offer arrives, players will go. It has been claimed that both Bamford and Piroe have attracted overseas interest.
It would be a surprise to see Gelhardt in a Leeds shirt come the new season, with the striker already going on loan to Sunderland in the past. Bamford is one of the club’s top earners after his stellar 2020-21 form.
You would imagine Gelhardt goes on loan before the deadline but it will be interested to see if Bamford stays put. Given his injury issues and wages, the chances are Leeds may struggle to sell, if they wanted to.
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