£15m man eyed by Leeds as replacement for Junior Firpo is now Jose Mourinho’s January transfer priority

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Junior Firpo’s long-term future at Leeds United is in doubt and while he looks set to remain in January, it is increasingly likely that he leaves next summer – maybe, even if the club are promoted.

The Dominican Republic international has been superb for Leeds in 2024, his best year on the books at Leeds. Indeed, Firpo has had a hand in 11 goals in all competitions for the Yorkshire side from left-back.

Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Firpo will wait to sign a new Leeds deal, based on which division Daniel Farke’s side will find themselves in next term. His current contract expires next summer.

Jon Newsome questioned Leeds’ decision to allow Firpo’s deal to run down. But, even if Leeds do go up, there will be interest in Firpo and of course, Firpo struggled in the Premier League beforehand for Leeds.

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Junior Firpo replacement now a priority for Jose Mourinho

Leeds have been linked with a number of left-backs, one of which is Gent’s Archie Brown. The Englishman is currently impressing in Belgium with Gent, alongside in-form striker Max Dean and is rated at £15m.

Leeds are keeping tabs on left-back Brown with a view to bringing him in as a replacement for Firpo. But Turkish site Turn1Haber say Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce see Brown as a priority in the January window.

Whether Brown is interested in a move to join Mourinho’s Fenerbahce remains to be seen. Mourinho’s two former clubs Tottenham and Chelsea are also interested, but Carlton Palmer backed Leeds to get him.

Archie Brown compared to Junior Firpo amid Leeds United links

A brief look at Brown’s highlights on YouTube shows the Gent star is in a similar mould to that of Firpo. An attacking full-back, excellent going forward and experienced despite still only being 22 years of age.

Is Brown worth a fee of £15m? That is perhaps, the one question mark surrounding a move for the left-back. The Gent star is still unproven at the top level but is currently playing in the Conference League.

However, if Firpo goes and Leeds do get promoted then he is certainly worth bringing in next summer. Whether Leeds get a chance to, and he instead joins a Fenerbahce or another club, remains to be seen.