Leeds Utd news: Daniel Farke’s dilemma – Should Junior Firpo stay or go?

From looking like one of the worst signings in the club’s recent history to earning cult hero status, Junior Firpo’s journey at Leeds United has been nothing short of remarkable.

Having been both a much-maligned liability and an indispensable attacking full-back during his time at Elland Road, as well as everything in between, Firpo has certainly experienced it all.

Now, with players such as Jayden Bogle making a long-term case for his position, it is do or die for the Dominican and a tough decision on his future at the club awaits.

Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher weighs up the pros and cons of keeping Firpo at Leeds.

Firpo survives exodus following Premier League relegation

Firpo was part of a pitiful Leeds side that were deservedly relegated from the Premier League during the 2022-23 season primarily due to their leaky defence.

Before the Whites’ first campaign back in the Championship, players departed left, right, and centre, with the majority leaving on bad terms due to a poor attitude.

Numerous rumours linked Firpo with a move back to Spain and he seemed to be just another underperforming player ready to jump ship at the first opportunity.

However, as the transfer window closed and Daniel Farke’s new-look Leeds’ side embarked on putting the club back in the division where it belongs, it became apparent that Firpo would be there for the ride.

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Arrival of Bogle threatens Dominican’s place

When injuries were not hindering him, Firpo became an important part of Farke’s Leeds side that famously amassed 90 points in the league but still missed out on automatic promotion before suffering heartbreak at Wembley in the play-off final.

As the dust from that chaotic season settled and Leeds prepared to give promotion another crack, they signed another attack-minded full-back in Jayden Bogle to play on the opposite side of the pitch to Firpo.

Whites fans may not have realised this at the time, but the signing of Bogle showed Farke’s intention to evolve and change the side from his first season in charge.

Replacing Archie Gray was never going to be an easy task, with the academy graduate operating superbly out of the right-back position before earning a move to Tottenham, but Bogle has since given Leeds a completely different attacking outlook.

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Contract running out with no new deal in sight

Despite both being full-backs, Firpo and Bogle have been two of Leeds’ most prominent attacking threats this season, frequently overlapping and underlapping their wingers in order to create an advantage in the final third.

The results speak for themselves in this regard: Bogle has scored five goals this season and has registered two assists, while Firpo has scored three times and assisted his teammates on nine occasions as the Whites sit at the top of the table with eight games to play.

However, with Firpo’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and no new deal being agreed as of yet, the reality is that Whites fans may only see the 28-year-old in a Leeds shirt eight more times.

Firpo has without a doubt endeared himself to the fanbase of late and securing promotion would be the storybook ending to his redemption arc at the club if he was to leave in the summer.

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A move away might suit both parties

With recent reports once again linking Firpo with a move back to La Liga and his former club, Real Betis, Leeds have a decision to make regarding their left-back.

With Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town all set to be relegated back to the Championship at the first time of asking, it is another humbling reminder of the difference in levels between the Championship and the Premier League.

If Leeds were to gain promotion, their current way of playing with their attacking full-backs would be nothing short of suicidal.

It is more than likely that there would be no fairytale 9th-place finish for Leeds next term if they go up and the grim reality is they will probably need to secure something akin to a 17th-place finish by any means necessary.

And while there will certainly be more pressing issues with this Leeds side, greater defensive security at full-back is a must.

Putting aside all sentiment, it may be best for both parties to go their separate ways if Leeds gain promotion.

After all, Firpo’s attacking profile suits a side that is dominant in possession and the Premier League will not offer that reality to Leeds next season.

Despite it being a less flashy option, a more defensively sound left-back would suit the Whites better next season, even if it is painful to admit for Leeds supporters.

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