Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo will not be offered a new deal despite his excellent form, according to The Athletic.
The 27-year-old has been in scintillating form for the Championship side since the turn of the year, helping himself to five assists including the cross for Patrick Bamford’s goal last Friday in the all-Yorkshire encounter with Sheffield Wednesday.
His injury concerns have seen him miss most of the first three months of the season, alongside the majority of December’s calendar. Firpo would have hoped that his recent form would have helped him earn a new deal with Daniel Farke’s side, but that now seems unlikely.
The Whites have been in red-hot form this season and sit second only to Leicester City, having dropped just two points from 36 in the league since the start of January. Despite that form they can’t seem to shake off third-placed Ipswich Town, who sit just one point further back.
They have an impressive seven points from just nine available since exiting the FA Cup to Premier League giants Chelsea. This includes the 1-1 draw in a feisty game against West Yorkshire neighbours Huddersfield Town.
In February, the former Barcelona man stated his international allegiances to his birth country, the Dominican Republic. This is despite making four appearances for Spain U21s.
Speaking via The Athletic, Nancy Froston, explained why it’s unlikely he will be offered a new deal:
“With a year left on Firpo’s contract, it seems unlikely that a renewal will be on the table. Byram’s contract is due to run out this summer and, despite his longstanding injury concerns, which have crept back in, the 30-year-old has impressed and remains a favourite of Farke.
“If Leeds are to make progress and rebuild as a Premier League club this summer, left-back is a position that will need strengthening, so offers for Firpo would be well received. As an exercise in maximising the assets at your disposal while adding value, Farke and Leeds’ retention of Firpo has been smart business.“
Up next for Leeds this weekend is a home game against a rejuvenated Millwall side, managed by Neil Harris. The Lions have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four matches.
Writer’s View
It seems very harsh to not offer him a new deal. Five assists is a very good return for any player let alone a defender and in only 17 games, which is not to be sniffed at.
To play devil’s advocate, however, his injury record does seem to precede him and the Whites will hope to find someone who can play more consistently. He does still have a year remaining on his existing deal, meaning Daniel Farke may not be in any rush to tie him down to a new deal and see how his form plays out over the rest of the campaign and if he remains at Elland Road, the opening months of next season.
