“He needs to leave to generate more funds” – Daniel Farke advised to sell off ACE Player in final few months of his contract at Elland Road in other not to Lose him as a free agent.
Leeds United Face Dilemma Over Junior Firpo’s Future
Leeds United are under pressure to sell fullback Junior Firpo this summer as he enters the final year of his contract. Following their failure to secure Premier League promotion, the club needs to address financial concerns, including £190 million in outstanding credit, with £73 million due by month’s end.
While Red Bull’s minority stake has provided some financial relief, Leeds must still reduce their wage bill. High-profile players like Crysencio Summerville are attracting Premier League interest, but the club also needs to offload high-earning players from their top-flight days, including Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, and Rasmus Kristensen.
Firpo, who joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 for £13 million, made 33 appearances and provided eight assists last season under Daniel Farke. However, former goalkeeper Paul Robinson advises selling Firpo to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Robinson told MOT Leeds News:
“If he’s not going to stay beyond 12 months and is looking to leave on a free, you cash in now. If he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want to stay any longer than next summer, you get what you can now because he’s not going to have that big of a part in a Premier League push.”
Analysis:
Firpo’s market value has dropped to £4.2 million from his initial £13 million transfer fee. His reported £60,000 weekly wage is unsustainable for a Championship club, especially with reduced parachute payments next season. While Firpo could still contribute to Leeds’ campaign, the financial implications of keeping him may outweigh his potential on-field impact.
Leeds United must carefully weigh the benefits of retaining Firpo against the financial advantages of selling him this summer, considering both their immediate needs and long-term financial health.