Left-back is likely to be a position that Leeds United need to work on in the transfer window over the course of the next six months, with Junior Firpo’s long-term future in doubt.
Firpo is in the final year of his contract and LeedsUnited.News have been told Firpo will only consider a new deal if Leeds get promoted. Failure to do so and Firpo won’t sign on, promotion is the only chance.
Even if Leeds do go up, there is no guarantee that Firpo stays put. Carlton Palmer says Leeds may cash in on Firpo in January, in order to avoid losing him on a free with non-English clubs able to move in January.
Numerous left-sided defenders are already being linked. Max Dean’s Gent teammate Archie Brown has been linked with Leeds again, while Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin is also said to be a target for Leeds.
Graeme Bailey delivers update on Leeds interest in Swedish ace
Leeds are also interested in a deal to sign Daniel Svensson. The Sweden international is impressing with Norwegian giants Nordsjaelland, also attracting interest from giants Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United.
Leeds have been told that Svensson may prefer a move to Elland Road so he can continue being first choice, but that is only a reality if promotion is secured. Bailey gave LeedsUnited.News an update.
“Obviously only if they get promoted. With the Leeds left-back position ahead of promotion it’s not going to be a surprise that they’re looking at high-quality left-back. It’s List A if they go up, List B if they don’t.
“Obviously Svensson’s on List A. I don’t doubt that he isn’t in Leeds’ viewpoint. I know Red Bull are ones who have been watching him previously as well, so that’s not a surprise in that regard,” Bailey added.
“A very interesting player, a quality player. Nordsjaelland are an outstanding side at the minute with a lot of good young players, no surprise that Leeds are looking at that market,” Bailey told LeedsUnited.News.
Comparing Daniel Svensson, Dennis Cirkin and Archie Brown
All three left-backs are showing similar traits. All three are able to score goals and certainly create from the left side of defence and while Cirkin is yet to play at a top-tier level, he has Championship experience.
| Name | Senior clubs | Age | Games | Goals | Assists | Clean sheets |
| Archie Brown | Gent Lausanne Sport | 22 | 108 | 7 | 12 | 26 |
| Dennis Cirkin | Sunderland | 22 | 92 | 7 | 5 | 33 |
| Daniel Svensson | Brommapojkarna Nordsjaelland | 22 | 161 | 9 | 21 | 38 |
Interestingly, they are all 22 so it is clear that Leeds are looking to sign a long-term replacement on the left of the defence – but all three have plenty of experience and are capable of both scoring and creating.
Svensson is clearly the best of the three but given the interest in him, the chances are he will join a bigger club. Cirkin won’t be leaving Sunderland at least until next summer, and the same for Brown at Gent.
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