An issue for Leeds United this summer could be left-back with Junior Firpo’s future still unresolved, just six weeks before his Elland Road contract is due to expire.
There have been contrasting reports emerging over Firpo’s future at Leeds, with the Dominican Republic star now a fan favourite at Elland Road after a difficult first two seasons in the Premier League at Leeds.
Largie Ramazani is desperate for Firpo to remain at Elland Road, while Firpo urged Paraag Marathe to send him some new terms on Jayden Bogle’s Instagram following the parade in Yorkshire eight years ago.
However, reports this week say Firpo is ‘close’ to rejoining boyhood club Real Betis. Leeds need to start considering replacements and one option they should take a look at was on Jesse Marsch’s shortlist.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Jesse Marsch wanted Fabiano Parisi in the summer of 2022
Three years ago, Leeds were looking at left-back Fabiano Parisi during Jesse Marsch’s era. Firpo had endured a difficult first season and Leeds were looking to bring in a better option on the left of defence.
Parisi had been impressing for Empoli in Serie A at the time, but he remained before joining Fiorentina a year later for £8.5m. He has since played 70 times for La Viola, but has been a rotational option this term.
Ironically, Parisi’s Fiorentina beat Firpo’s potential next club Betis in the Conference League semi-finals. They face Chelsea in the final but Parisi may not stay beyond that, given he is not currently first choice.
Plenty of clubs are likely to be after the Italy international, who according to Pianeta Milan, is available for the same fee that Fiorentina paid to sign him. The experienced Serie A star could be a bargain buy.
Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images
Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Fabiano Parisi’s numbers compared to Junior Firpo so far
Leeds need a left-back. One that has top-flight experience and can do it at the top level. But one without breaking the bank, given Firpo is leaving on a free and Leeds will have to replace him out of their pocket.
So, Parisi is perfect. More than 100 appearances in Italy’s top tier to his name, aged 24 so plenty of time left on his side but not young enough that he is raw. Even called-up to the Italy squad back in 2022.
This is a player that is a sturdy, solid signing and offers that defensive Italian nous on the left – something which Firpo lacked in the Premier League. All for a bargain fee of £8.5m, Leeds have to consider a move.