Speculation over Junior Firpo’s future at Leeds United has dominated many a column inch both in England and Spain over the last few months.
The in-form left-back is set to become a free-agent in the summer.
And while Leeds always planned to put talks on the backburner until their fate was sealed – Junior Firpo probably too expensive to retain on a Championship budget – things are still very much up in the air despite the club securing their Premier League return.
Daniel Farke admits contract extensions will be factored in when Leeds United draw up their summer budget. And while 49ers shareholder Larry Nance Jr cannot wait to see how Junior Firpo gets on in the division above, whether he is still wearing that white shirt when the new campaign kicks off is anyone’s guess right now.
It is no secret that Real Betis are interested in bringing Firpo back to Andalusia.
The Dominican Republic international spent five years in green and white before making that switch to Barcelona in 2019. And while Firpo has embraced life in Leeds, Betis remains the place where he really feels at home.
Junior Firpo opens up on Real Betis plans as Leeds United contract runs down
Speaking to Spanish publication Marca, the 28-year-old admits he has little time for speculation. However, he knows full well that discussions will be going on in the background. And if the Betis bosses are on the other end of the line, this is a phone call he would like to be part of.
“I didn’t want to get distracted. It sounds like a cliche but it’s true. I didn’t want to get distracted by those things,” Firpo admits.
“[But] I know there are probably calls or approaches being made to clubs. That would be the most normal thing. I hope so, right? After the season [I’ve had], too. It’s a good recognition of the season I’m having.
“But no, I didn’t want to know anything. I didn’t want to know anything about it.
“Well, returning to Spain, returning to Betis above all, it’s something I’ve always considered. I’ve never hidden it, and I’m not going to hide it.
“I mean, Betis… If I tell you I’ve found a home here or whatever, Betis is home. I’m a Betis fan. I mean, everyone knows that. I’m not going to change it, and it’s in my blood,” adds Firpo, while explaining that the chance to represent one of the La Liga powerhouses is one he would never turn down regardless of his struggles at the Camp Nou.
“Then, in the end, clubs like Barca, Real Madrid, clubs like that, come along. And I think you have to say ‘yes’. I mean, you have to at least try, right?”
Firpo explains Barcelona struggles as La Liga return beckons
Firpo’s difficult two year spell with Barcelona was not made any easier by the backdrop of major financial difficulties and violent protests on the streets of Catalonia.
“I think I was a bit unlucky that those two years in Barcelona as a city and at the club were a bit turbulent, right?,” explains Firpo, who started only 14 La Liga matches while failing to dislodge the brilliant Jordi Alba.
“I fell into a bad period. I reached the golden age, and it didn’t matter.”
Understandably, given his difficult time at the Camp Nou, that poor start to life with Leeds and the relegation of 2022, the promotion celebrations mean a lot for a footballer who deserves some happier times.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
