Saturday afternoon saw Junior Firpo shine despite it being the Leeds United defender’s first start in almost two months, after the left-back sustained a hamstring injury at the start of December.
Leeds United’s incredible 7-0 win over Cardiff City strengthened their position at the top of the table. Not least because it was an 18th win of the season with only 16 games to play, but Burnley failed to win.
Firpo came into the side in place of Sam Byram and astonishingly laid on three assists. He created one for Dan James and James praised Firpo after full-time, while Largie Ramazani compared Firpo to Jordi Alba.
However, while Firpo shines for Leeds, he might be coming to the end of a four-year spell in Yorkshire. The defender is in the final six months of his deal with a handful of European clubs linked with a move.
Whether Leeds are close to handing Junior Firpo a new deal
His display on Saturday has seen fans encourage Leeds to offer him new terms, on social media. While Firpo has 13 assists in 43 Championship outings, the Dominican Republic ace struggled in the top tier.
Firpo is given the license to play to his strengths and attack given Leeds are, currently, the best team in the league. But in the Premier League, more focus is given to his defensive qualities and he struggles.
Firpo might not want to sign a new deal but even if he did, The 49ers may have reservations about a new contract. The Yorkshire Evening Post say there are ‘no signs’ that Leeds are ready to renew his contract.
What Graeme Bailey has told us about Junior Firpo’s future
A deadline-day exit is not ruled out, either. Keith Downie claims Real Sociedad want Firpo and that is why Leeds have held talks for Matt Targett at Newcastle, in case the La Liga side make a late move for Firpo.
Real Betis have been linked with re-signing Firpo while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas are also said to be looking at Firpo. Graeme Bailey says Firpo won’t sign a new contract until promotion is won, or lost.
But even if Leeds do go up and Firpo is open to putting pen to paper – is it the right decision? Or do The Whites need to go into the market and find a defensively solid replacement on the left of their defence.
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