Leeds United have confirmed the exit of Junior Firpo on a free with the left-back now expected to return to boyhood club Real Betis, and has posted a farewell video to Leeds fans.
Firpo, 28, was out of contract this summer and it has now been confirmed that The Dominican Republic international will leave the club for nothing after four years and 116 appearances for the Yorkshire side.
That is despite Firpo urging Paraag Marathe to give him a new contract during the parade celebrations. Leeds themselves confirmed they were in talks to hand Firpo a contract in the retained list, on May 17.
However, it has now been confirmed that Firpo has not agreed a new deal and is currently a free agent. Betis are expected to announce the signing of Firpo in due course, after Firpo hinted at a Betis move.
Leeds United player Junior Firpo during a Championship match against Middlesbrough.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Junior Firpo aims dig at 49ers, claims he wanted to stay at Leeds
There are a couple of reasons why Firpo has not remained at Leeds. The main one being, that Firpo did not do enough in his first couple of seasons at Leeds in the Premier League, a concern for The 49ers.
It is perhaps the reason why The 49ers offered Firpo a new deal, but wages far below the pay cheque he earned when signing for Leeds from Barcelona in 2021. It is believed Firpo initially signed on £60k a week.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe celebrates the club's promotion to the Premier League.
Photo by Pat Scaasi| MB Media/Getty Images
In his farewell video, Firpo says he was happy to remain at Leeds but that he was never given the chance to do so by The 49ers. Firpo’s words might mean he was simply unwilling to sign a smaller contract.
“This club has truly felt like home and staying was something I was ready for but that possibility was never on the table,” Firpo said, in a long-winded and emotional video which shows his Leeds highlights.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
What happens next as Leeds eye Gabriel Gudmundsson of Lille
Firpo is due to return to Betis and an announcement is expected soon. Indeed, Spanish media claimed that Betis may have even confirmed Firpo over the weekend – but it didn’t materialise.
Leeds meanwhile, are set to confirm their third summer signing in Belgium international Sebastiaan Bornauw. Another 26-year-old that is over 6ft, after the signings of Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol.
In terms of replacing Firpo, Leeds are edging towards a deal for Lille and Sweden defender Gabriel Gudmundsson. Another 26-year-old with caps for his country, who has spent the last four years at Lille.