Leeds United may have to sign a new left-back this summer with Junior Firpo edging closer towards the exit door, and we have picked three players Adam Underwood needs to consider.
Leeds confirmed in their retained list that the club are in talks with Firpo. But since then, Lyon have made an offer for Firpo and Milan have been reported as speaking to Firpo’s representatives for a free transfer.
With Firpo’s contract expiring in less than four weeks, it looks as if his four-year stint with Leeds is coming to an end despite 14 goals and assists last term. Below, are three players Leeds could sign to replace him.
Three left-backs Leeds need to consider to replace Junior Firpo
Luca Netz – Gladbach
When Daniel Farke joined Bundesliga side Gladbach in the summer of 2022, he inherited a left-back called Luca Netz. At the time, Netz was still a teenager and yet Farke used him in 20 league games that season.
Since then, Netz has gone on to play 107 times for Gladbach at senior level, having a hand in 19 goals. Leeds were linked with a reunion between Farke and Netz last summer, if The Whites secured promotion.
Well, Leeds have now been promoted and even better, Netz is about to enter the final year of his deal. A player that Farke once said “has the potential to play at the highest level” on Gladbach’s official website.
Adrien Truffert – Rennes
Still only 23, Truffert has already become Rennes captain and has clocked up a huge 191 appearances for his boyhood club. A one-time France international, Truffert has had a hand in 32 goals during that time.
But there is a feeling that Truffert has outgrown Rennes after their disappointing 2024-25 campaign, after they failed to qualify for Europe. His contract situation is enticing Premier League clubs this summer.
With links to Aston Villa and Everton, Bournemouth saw a £10m offer rejected according to L’Equipe. They say The Cherries are preparing a new move as they look to replace Milos Kerkez, £13m-£17m required.
Rico Henry – Brentford
If Leeds would prefer a left-back with Premier League experience that is available this summer, then Henry fits the bill. Brentford’s left-sided flyer was being touted with an England call-up before injury.
Henry, now 27, has managed just 10 Premier League outings over the last two years and has entered the final year of his contract. He has 81 top-flight outings to his name, and 110 more in the Championship.
Interestingly, Leeds were linked with a move for Henry when promoted last time in 2020. But he stayed put at Brentford instead of joining Marcelo Bielsa’s side who stuck with Gjanni Alioski before Firpo arrived.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
