Leeds United defender Junior Firpo is open to signing a new contract at Elland Road, according to TEAMtalk.
Firpo is in the final year of his contract in Yorkshire, so is able to sign a pre-contract deal with a foreign club from January 1 if a deal is yet to be agreed. However, he is said to be willing to extend his stay at the club, providing certain conditions are met. Firpo is reported to want assurances on the club’s ambitions and future, but has given the green light initially to signing a contract extension.
While settled in West Yorkshire, Firpo has reportedly already decided his next move should he leave. He is said to be keen on a return to Spain, where he played before his move to England, with former side Real Betis having log held an interest in bringing him back. He played 43 times in Seville before making the switch to Catalan giants Barcelona, although he struggled at the Nou Camp, where his old club have a 25% sell-on clause for any future move.
The 28-year-old has made 89 appearances during his time at the club, having joined for £12.9 million in 2021. Initially, Firpo struggled in the Premier League and had a difficult first few years, which culminated in relegation in 2023.
However, in recent months Firpo’s form has improved. He was a key part of Leeds’ unbeaten run towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign, despite being on the fringes at the start of the season, as they missed out on promotion. He looks now to be a crucial part of Daniel Farke’s plans to return the club to the top flight this season.
Leeds’ form has been mixed this season, having had a fairly underwhelming start in a division where many consider them to be favourites. They’ll be hoping they can keep Firpo beyond this season, whatever league they’re in, to help their chances.
Writer’s View
Firpo had initially struggled at Leeds but has grown in popularity after a decent spell in form. With plenty of experience at a high level, it’s crucial Leeds keep him beyond this season. It’s imperative, therefore that they go up, as Firpo is unlikely to want a third season in the Championship. Purely from a financial move, a one-year extension may benefit as parachute payments reduce, meaning Leeds can’t afford to lose Firpo on a free if he does go.
