It has been a week now since Leeds United’s return to the Premier League was confirmed but, still, there is nothing more than radio silence surrounding the future of one Junior Firpo.
49ers shareholder Larry Nance Jr ‘cannot wait’ to see how Firpo acclimatises to life back in the Premier League – his words – but there is a nagging feeling that not everyone behind the scenes at Elland Road shares his enthusiasm.
The former Spain Under-21 international is due to become a free-agent in July.
Junior Firpo talked up a potential return to Real Betis last week, too. The Andalusian outfit who handed the left-back his senior debut and developed him into a player worthy of Barcelona’s attention.
And while Firpo will end the season with 15 goals contributions from full-back – the Leeds United flyer reached double figures in the assist department when setting up Largie Ramazani in Monday’s 4-0 trouncing of Bristol City – concerns over his defensive awareness remain as Daniel Farke prepares to welcome the likes of Bukayo Saka, Amad Diallo and Mo Salah to Elland Road.
In terms of potential replacements, Leeds suffered an early blow this month.
Wolves plan to retain Hugo Bueno when he returns from a loan spell at Feyenoord. Newcastle’s experienced Matt Targett remains an option, however.
As does Archie Brown, the Birmingham-born Derby County graduate currently plying his trade in Belgium.
Gent’s Archie Brown reacts when asked about potential Leeds United move
After a spell with Swiss outfit Lausanne Sport, ex-England youngster Brown joined KAA Gent during the summer of 2023.
As football correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively told Leeds United News, Archie Brown is someone Leeds have been aware of since his days in the Derby academy. Now valued at a reported £15 million, the rangy but jet-heeled wideman could return to English football a far more mature and consistent performer.
Speaking to Transfermarkt, Brown was asked directly about the suggestions that Leeds could look to sign the 22-year-old as Junior Firpo’s successor.
Brown did not give too much away, though he does admit that sometimes opportunities arise that you cannot afford to let slip through your grasp.
“My qualities will take me where they take me, whether that is the Premier League or somewhere else,” says Brown. “To be honest, in the past I have paid too much attention to possible interest in me. That was not good and I don’t do that anymore.
“The season is still going on and there is still a lot at stake, so the most important thing for me is to give everything for the team in the coming weeks.
“I also have a contract with KAA Gent for two [more] years and I like being here, so I don’t necessarily have to leave this summer. [But] you never know that you will get seriously injured and then that possible interest is no longer worth anything.
“There are so many different factors that can change, so I just have to concentrate on what is happening on the pitch.”
Former Derby man open to Premier League alternatives
Brown might not have been as efficient as Firpo in the final third this season but, with three goals and six assists, he still possesses a keen eye for creating and taking chances.
“[My next destination] doesn’t necessarily have to be the Premier League,” he adds. “I want to play at the highest level, but whether that’s England or another league in the ‘big five’…
“You know, I’ve been playing abroad for a while now and it’s not that I necessarily want to go back to England. I’m probably one of the first players of a new generation of English players who see that there’s more to football than the Premier League and have gone abroad.
“I think that was also very important for my development, both as a player and as a person. It took me on a trip outside my comfort zone, so I don’t regret taking that step for a second.”
Archie Brown may be faster than Leeds speed-demon Dan James
Failure to qualify for European football next season could be a deciding factor in whether Archie Brown stays or goes. He admits that falling short – Gent are currently sixth in the table – would leave him ‘really disappointed’.
Brown, while physically imposing at 6ft 2ins, also possesses a top speed of 36.4 km/h. That, by the way, is faster than the rocket-fuelled Dan James was clocked at during his time at Manchester United.
“I’ve been lucky that I haven’t been injured much, although it’s still a contact sport and it can happen at any time,” adds Brown, the left-back having featured in over 40 matches during both of his seasons in Belgium.
“I also enjoy having strong physical qualities and [I am] continuing to develop them.
“I will not hide the fact that I enjoy playing as a left wing-back because, in that position, I get the necessary freedom to fully use my qualities, especially in attack.
“But whether it is left wing-back, left-back or left-sided central defender, I play where the coach wants me to play and I feel comfortable in all three positions without having a real preference.”
Brown is not the first transfer target to be quizzed about Leeds’ interest this month.
USA and Real Salt Lake attacker Diego Luna responded to his own Elland Road links a week ago.
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