A number of Leeds United players will see their time at the club come to an end today. As things stand, defensive trio Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and James Debayo are set to bid a fond farewell to Elland Road.
June 30 marks the cut-off point for players whose deals had been due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season. Over a month has elapsed since the Whites published their retained and released list where the Premier League newcomers confirmed Josuha Guilavogui's departure. The Frenchman, a popular figure in the dressing room, made 16 appearances but failed to make a single Championship start as Daniel Farke's troops secured the title. His short-team contract officially runs out today.
Left-back Firpo is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to rejoin boyhood club Real Betis, having snubbed United's contract offer. The La Liga club remain in dialogue with Firpo's representatives over a potential move.
“It’s true that there are talks with Junior Firpo," said Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo last week. "He’s a free agent.
“His signing hasn’t materialised, there are still some details to be worked out. Let him serve as an example that he’s a player who left in his day and is now extremely eager to return.”
As for Byram, the experienced defender previously expressed his desire to prolong his United stay. Losing him and Firpo would leave Farke's side low on options in the full-back department.
Promising centre-back Debayo has yet to sign the new terms offered to him but Leeds Live understands last season's debutant is expected to stay put. Although Debayo, Firpo and Byram will be classed as free agents and formally off United's books come tomorrow, there is always the option United could re-sign them after the June 30 cut-off point
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