Leeds may now face dilemma over whether to keep 27-year-old who’s started last eight league games

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When Leeds United fans discuss which players have been the biggest surprises this season, Junior Firpo definitely has to come up in the conversation.

It is fair to say that Junior Firpo has not had an easy time since arriving at Elland Road. When he signed a four-year deal for a fee of £12.8 million, it appeared to be a coup given that Leeds have had so many problems at left-back over the years.

Unfortunately, we have only seen glimpses of a former Barcelona player in his two-and-a-half years in West Yorkshire.

Leeds may face a difficult decision with Junior Firpo in the summer

Fortunately, a number of those glimpses have come this season. Firpo has been superb in the last few months. He has been a mainstay of the side during this remarkable run Daniel Farke’s side are on. And he has provided four assists along the way.

It has been a massive boost for Leeds with Sam Byram dealing with a few injury issues more recently.

But it also gives the Whites something of a dilemma heading into the summer – because Firpo is approaching the final year of his contract.

Time may be right to sell left-back

Hopefully, Leeds are a Premier League side next season. But with that, some players are going to have to step up to levels we have arguably not seen previously. And Firpo is possibly one of those.

Firpo was found out in the top-flight previously. And going into next season – if we are back at English football’s top table – it would be a gamble to have Firpo as our first-choice left-back next year.

Certainly, it makes no sense to discuss a new deal right now. So perhaps Leeds may have to consider cashing in this summer, particularly if his stock remains high.

Every so often, Firpo has struggled this season. And that is perhaps a reminder of the risk that would come with keeping him as first-choice.

Admittedly, Leeds are unlikely to receive any huge offers for Firpo this summer. So it may make sense to keep him for the final year of his contract.

But there is definitely a tough decision to be made. And some may feel that that should lead to Firpo going out on a high.