Junior Firpo, Daniel Farke, Leeds United, Premier League
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Fri 20 June 2025 14:11, UK
Leeds United are almost certain to be without Junior Firpo as they return to the Premier League next season.
The Dominican Republic international’s future has been the major talking point of the Whites’ summer window, as he seems destined to leave West Yorkshire with his contract due to expire imminently.
Firpo is understood to be on the verge of re-joining Real Betis, with his former club having offered the 28-year-old a three-year deal to turn his back on Elland Road, where his contract will expire in 10 days.
Leeds had offered Firpo a new deal at the club, but with the defender’s departure now seemingly close, the need for a new left-back has been thrust to the forefront of the Whites’ transfer priorities this summer.
Junior Firpo
Firpo seems destined to join Real Betis. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds are interested in Wolves’ Hugo Bueno
There can be no doubt about the fact that Leeds will have a hard time replacing Firpo this summer.
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The full-back was excellent for Daniel Farke’s side last term, and no other Championship defender could match his impressive tally of 10 assists.
However, the Whites appear to have accepted the reality that, barring a major turnaround, he will not be at the club for the start of next season. They have now turned their attention towards securing a replacement, and have earmarked Wolves’ Hugo Bueno as a possible option, according to Spanish newspaper Marca (page 17, 20 June).
Bueno is currently away with Spain at the U21 Euros, and is understood to potentially have an uncertain future at Molineux, having spent last season on loan at Feyenoord.
The 22-year-old played 30 games for the Dutch giants, and is said to have had a “very successful” loan spell, as a result, it is no surprise that they are set to rival Leeds for his signature.
Leeds may have to wait on Wolves’ decision over Bueno
Leeds will want to work quickly to ensure they can assemble a strong squad for Farke this summer, but on this occasion, they may be forced to be patient if they are serious about the idea of signing Bueno.
Club Apps Goals Assists
Wolves 49 1 1
Feyenoord (Loan) 30 – 4
Hugo Bueno’s career stats.
It is highly likely that the defender won’t have had many discussions with his parent club yet, having spent the season out on loan and now being away on international duty.
Wolves have just sold Rayan Ait Nouri to Manchester City, which in theory leaves an opening on the left side of Vitor Pereira’s defence. The West Midlands outfit may have intentions of bringing Bueno back to take on the role, but that remains unclear at this stage.
Leeds may have to sit tight and wait for Wolves’ decision, but in the process, it is vital that they explore other possibilities, in case their Premier League rivals decide they don’t want to sell Bueno.
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