After months of uncertainty, Junior Firpo’s Leeds United future now has an answer, and it’s not the answer Daniel Farke was hoping for.
Junior Firpo was one of the stars of the season for Leeds United. His four goals and 10 assists helped Leeds get over the line, with Firpo playing a key role in the second half of the season in particular.
But the former Barcelona man’s contract was a talking point throughout. His contract at Elland Road expires this summer and after months of back and forth, Firpo is set to join Real Betis as a free agent.
Daniel Farke wanted to keep the Dominican international, though. Leeds United offered Firpo a new contract and it was thought to be a lucrative contract too, but Firpo wanted a return to Betis.
Here we look at the five left-backs who Farke could bring into Elland Road to replace Firpo this summer…
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Hugo Bueno
Hugo Bueno is perhaps the most long-standing name linked with the left-back position in West Yorkshire. Leeds United were linked with Bueno as far back as last year and links have persisted into this summer.
But Feyenoord are interested in signing Bueno too. Robin van Persie’s side had the Spaniard on loan for the 2024/25 season, whilst Wolves may usher him into their own starting XI next season, after losing Rayan Ait-Nouri to Man City.
Konstantinos Tsimikas
Another name mentioned quite heavily alongside Leeds is Liverpool’s Konstantinos Tsimikas. Earlier in the summer it was revealed that Leeds United have an interest in Tsimikas who’s been told he’s free to leave Liverpool this summer, though Leeds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Greek international.
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And with Liverpool set to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, Tsimikas’ exit from Anfield could gather speed in the coming days and weeks. He has a £15million price tag on his head.
Aaron Cresswell
West Ham legend Aaron Cresswell is becoming a free agent this summer after the Hammers decided against renewing his stay. Already, Leeds United have been linked with Cresswell, now 35, who also has interest from the likes of Wrexham.
Little has been said about a potential Cresswell move to Elland Road since the initial link broke and so it could be a passing rumour. He’d surely be brought in as simple backup though, rather than a direct Firpo replacement.
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Reinildo Mandava
A more recent link is that of Atletico Madrid left-back Reinildo Mandava. It’s been reported that Leeds United have made an approach to sign Mandava, who was actually a target for Man United last summer.
Mandava will leave Atletico for free this summer after failing to play a certain amount of minutes last season, which in turn failed to trigger a clause to renew his contract. Fulham, Spurs and Crystal Palace are also rumoured to be interested.
Alex Moreno
Earlier in June it was revealed that Leeds United have held talks to sign Alex Moreno from Aston Villa. The Spaniard Moreno looks set to leave Aston Villa after a mixed loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2024/25, where he featured just 15 times in the Premier League, claiming just one assist.
Recently, Moreno posted a cryptic message online, suggesting that he’s set to say farewell to Villa during this summer’s transfer window.