Leeds United have a decision to make on Junior Firpo’s future in the summer regardless of whether they get promoted.
Firpo will have just 12 months remaining on his deal at the end of the season, but is currently in the best run of form he has ever been in since joining Leeds from Barcelona in 2021.
The 27-year-old spent much of the first half of the season injured, but has become a key player since the turn of the New Year, providing an impressive five assists from left-back.
However, there are still some issues with the defensive side of his game and if Leeds do return to the Premier League, it may be an area they look to upgrade, with Luca Netz having been linked.
Some reports have suggested that Leeds are highly unlikely to offer Firpo a new deal in the summer which would mean this is the last opportunity to get a fee for him.
LeedsUnited.News have spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey on Firpo’s future, who says in an ideal world he will be replaced, but his current wages at Leeds could prove to be a stumbling block.
Graeme Bailey provides update on Junior Firpo’s future at Leeds United
He said: “The problem with Firpo is he’s on good money. If you are back in the Premier League with him, he is on very good money and will be one of Leeds’ highest earners in the Premier League, there is no doubt about that.
“He came from La Liga, and ideally you do want a young, upcoming full-back to come in to replace Firpo, but you are not desperate.
“If you started next season with Firpo in the Premier League, ideally you want an upgrade, but he’s not a complete disaster. I think the club are pretty happy where you are. The best way to describe it is quality over quantity for Leeds this summer.”
Firpo looks set to miss Leeds’ first game after international break
Firpo has been a key part of Leeds’ run of 12 wins in 13 league matches since the turn of the New Year, and despite his occasional defensive lapses, his return to the side alongside the Whites’ form isn’t coincidental.
He has provided Leeds with another real attacking threat down that left-hand-side, and five assists from full-back in that period of time is not a record to be sniffed at.
It will be interesting to see what Farke does after the international break as Firpo is highly unlikely to be ready to play at Watford due to being in action for the Dominican Republic in Peru, just over 48 hours before the game.
Sam Byram is almost certain to come into the side and if he does play well, Farke will have a decision to make as to who he decides to make first choice for the run-in.
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