Leeds United told they have made a mistake over the future of Elland Road star, he could now leave in January

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When all of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad is fit and available, the majority of the team picks itself at the moment. Certainly, the back five and Brenden Aaronson are first choice.

Ethan Ampadu’s return from injury puts Joe Rothwell’s midfield slot under threat while Leeds have four Premier League-standard wingers available but Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James are probably first choice.

Up top, Leeds have Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe to choose from but none of the three have really been able to stake their claim as Leeds’ undisputed starting striker under boss Daniel Farke.

But when Junior Firpo, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Jayden Bogle and Illan Meslier are fit, there is no doubt they start. However, a BBC pundit believes Leeds have made a big mistake with one of those five stars.

• READ MORE: Mateo Joseph shares what Leeds dressing room was like after Leeds draw

Jon Newsome criticises Leeds’ handling of Junior Firpo issue

Leeds have a few players out of contract next summer. Josuha Guilavogui and Sam Byram find themselves without an Elland Road contract next summer, though Byram surely deserves to put pen to paper again.

Firpo also finds himself out of contract next summer. Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Firpo will sign on if Leeds get promoted, but even that might not be a certainty and Newsome has had his say.

He said, during BBC Radio Leeds’ co-commentary: “In all honesty, I’m absolutely amazed the club allow any players to go into the final year of their contract. The club get promotion to the Premier League.

“Is he a Premier League footballer? If the club don’t get promotion, and financial restraints mean that he’s on too big a wage – at least you can offload him for money, so I find it absolutely staggering,” he said.

Junior Firpo could now leave Leeds in the January window

Newsome might find it unbelievable that Leeds find themselves in this position with Firpo, but that is now the reality. Is it simply a case of waiting for Leeds to see if they go up, and then try to keep the defender?

Or, have his past experiences in the Premier League meant Leeds are unwilling to extend his deal? Also, a possibility. But the issue is, Leeds risk losing him on a free and indeed, he could now leave in January.

Either Leeds are forced into a cut-price sale to get a bit of money for him. Or, non-English clubs will be able to approach Firpo on a pre-contract basis from January 1 to sign him on a pre-contract arrangement.

Turkish giants Besiktas are interested in Firpo as they look to replace former West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku, who is getting booed by Besiktas fans at the moment. Firpo then, could leave Elland Road.