Junior Firpo’s future at Leeds United is under serious consideration, with the player having a decision to make.
Daniel Farke will no doubt want to retain Firpo going into next season after his contributions this season but the left-back might have other ideas.
It was suggested that Firpo would be joining Real Betis after several back-and-forths so far in the early stages of the window.
However, the 28-year-old is apparently not of interest to the Spanish side as Firpo isn’t an option for Betis.
This could open the door for him to stay at Leeds, but now another club has entered the frame.
New landing spot mooted for Junior Firpo at Leeds United
Betis dropping their interest could potentially see the unlikely scenario that Firpo ends up staying at Elland Road.
All that has been considered so far is the left-back exiting the club with Firpo confessing his love for Betis.
But it doesn’t seem the Spanish club is quite aligned with his wishes, but it doesn’t mean the 28-year-old will not have back-up options.
According to II Tempo (as per LaLazioSiamoNoi), Lazio have now emerged as the possible next club for Firpo.
The Italian side are said to be looking at Firpo’s current deal at Leeds, with it running out in the summer, as Lazio see the transfer as an ‘excellent opportunity’.
With this considered, the Whites could discuss a potential swap deal that makes all parties happy.
Firpo to Lazio could open the door for Leeds to sign Nuno Tavares
Although he isn’t linked with the Whites, Leeds fans might be familiar with the name Nuno Tavares.
Tavares is still on loan from Arsenal, but has spent the season with Lazio, where he has flourished.
| Tavares’ statistics for Lazio in Serie A this season | |
| Games played | 22 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Chances created | 31 |
| Tackles won % | 75% |
| Successful crosses | 31 |
You might be thinking how this can be a swap deal with a return to Arsenal on the cards, but Lazio can sign Tavares permanently in the summer for £7.5m, and according to the outlet, he won’t be sticking around for long.
It’s said that Firpo is the expected replacement for Tavares after he’s struggled with injuries, and the plan is to sell him permanently in the summer.
With Firpo expected to leave, Tavares can replace what Farke will lose, and as seen above, he can prove to be a bright attacking spark.
Farke had success with attacking full-backs this season, as like Firpo, Jayden Bogle has performed well in this role.
Tavares is known to carry the ball forward and start attacks, which will pique the interest of Farke.
Although the 25-year-old struggled in the top flight with Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, he’s had a resurgence over in Italy.
It’s Premier League pedigree Farke can use, and if Lazio are willing to strike a swap deal, Leeds could land an extraordinary player to replace Firpo, and it will be like he never left.
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