Leeds: Junior Firpo being tracked in Spain

Leeds United defender Junior Firpo is being tracked by multiple clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Price tag named

The Whites left-back first made the move to the Premier League from Barcelona in July 2021 but has had a mixed start to life at Elland Road, having failed to find a consistent run of form.

However, the arrival of Javi Gracia may have been exactly what the Dominican-born star needed having started the last five top-flight games, becoming the boss’ favoured choice over Pascal Struijk.

Despite the Yorkshire outfit’s starlet fighting his way back into the side, Inter Live have claimed that he’s keen to join a team who are competing in a European competition, with the club willing to sanction his sale for just £9m should they get relegated, a hefty loss on the £13m he cost the club.

If that is the case, it doesn’t sound like he will be short of potential suitors…

The Latest: Firpo set to leave?

According to Football Insider, Firpo is ‘wanted’ by several unnamed clubs in Spain as they weigh up whether to make an approach later in the summer.

La Liga outfits are ‘keeping tabs’ on the 26-year-old and it’s reported that his future is ‘likely’ to depend on whether Leeds are successfully able to avoid the drop at the end of the season.

In saying that, it’s claimed that he ‘could still leave’ even if they were to stay up with left-back having been identified as a position that ‘could need changing’.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

When Firpo arrived at Leeds two years ago, he was praised by journalist Josh Bunting, who said:

“Junior Firpo is a really good piece of business for Leeds United, another good pick up from Victor Orta, he’s versatile and for Leeds that’s a perfect attribute to have under Marcelo Bielsa’s leadership. He’s aggressive and carries a goal threat from left-back, positioning superb.”

The Whites defender currently ranks in the 96^th percentile for most tackles and the 95^th percentile for most blocks and interceptions made per game (FBRef) whilst also being a threat in the final third, having posted five goal contributions since joining.

Firpo is a useful option for Gracia to have in the building with his versatility to operate in five various positions, including at centre-back and on the opposite flank, so Leeds need to do everything they can to fend off interest and keep hold of him beyond the summer.