Leeds United are seemingly preparing for life without Junior Firpo with the left-back’s contract expiring at the end of the season, as The Whites continue to shortlist a few possible replacements.
A new contract for Firpo does not look as though it is currently on the agenda. Dominican Republic star Firpo will only sign on if Leeds go up, and he might choose to move even if Leeds do get promoted.
From January 1, non-English clubs can approach Firpo on a free and Carlton Palmer says he can see Firpo leaving in January. Obviously then, Leeds need to consider replacing Firpo and a shortlist is emerging.
Gent’s Archie Brown is a target for Leeds while Sunderland ace Dennis Cirkin has been linked with a move to Elland Road. Leeds also want Sweden international Daniel Svensson but face hefty competition.
FC Nordsjaelland Daniel Svensson in action during the UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round First Leg match between FCSB and FC Nord...
Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Swedish journalist thinks Daniel Svensson wants Leeds move
The 22-year-old has been excellent for Nordsjaelland, clocking up 28 goals and assists in 152 games for the Norwegian side. Able to play left-back but naturally a midfielder, Svensson now has a Sweden cap.
Leeds are not alone, with trio Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked while Fotboll Direkt say Juventus are also keen. FD ‘expert’ Lars Gram-Hanssen says Svensson could choose Leeds.
“I think Daniel Svensson would be interested in a move to Leeds. Number one in the Championship and it could be a chance to go to a club where he would have a good chance of being a starter from the start.”
Svensson would be a sensational signing for Leeds United
This is a player with supreme technical ability and given he has already impressed not only in Norway but in European football, he is easily good enough to join Leeds and be thrust straight into the starting XI.
Name Age Clubs Games Wins Clean sheets Goals Assists
Junior Firpo 28 Real BetisBarcelonaLeeds 183 93 65 10 25
Daniel Svensson 22 NorsdjaellandBrommapojkarna 161 73 37 9 21
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Despite Firpo being six years older than Svensson, he’s only played 22 more games throughout his career. In terms of their impact in the final third, the two have had similar goals and assists for their clubs so far.
While it might be because Firpo has played for better clubs at a higher level, he has won more games and secured more clean sheets. But what is remarkable is Svensson’s game tally at such a young age, already.
Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Svensson is on “list A” at Elland Road, a shortlist in case the club get promoted. He says Svensson is a player that has been on the radar of Red Bull for a while.