Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo is departing the club after four years of service at Elland Road.
The 28-year-old’s Leeds United contract expires at the start of this month and the Whites have announced his departure officially.
Season Appearances Goals Assists Yellow cards
2021/22 – Premier League 28 0 2 11
2022/23 – Premier League 26 2 2 6
2023/24 – Championship 33 0 8 7
2024/25 – Championship 35 4 10 8
Junior Firpo’s Leeds United stats
Graham Smyth expects Firpo’s contract length to be an issue but the truth is also that Leeds were offering Firpo a smaller wage than the one he earned when joining from Barcelona. It meant Firpo’s agents said remaining at Leeds was ‘unlikely’.
A number of Europe’s biggest names have registered interest, with Lyon said to have offered Firpo a contract and Lazio have also shown an interest in taking Firpo on a free transfer.
Portsmouth FC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet Championship
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The response to Junior Firpo’s emotional Leeds United statement
At one stage, Betis were deemed ‘close’ to landing Firpo’s signature. Now, Fabrizio Romano claims he could return to the Benito Villamarin Stadium. Romano’s update makes Betis seem like Firpo’s next move after Leeds.
Firpo has been pictured in a Marc Roca Betis shirt and it’s yet another hint regarding his future. However, his latest social media post is a tribute to his four years in West Yorkshire, and former and current players have also reacted.
Firpo said: “To my Leeds United family, today is one of those moments you know will come eventually, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
“After four unforgettable years, it’s time for me to say goodbye to a club, a city, and a group of people that have come to mean so much to me and my family.
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“When I first arrived in the summer of 2021, I was excited for the challenge ahead: a new league, a new country, and a chance to grow.
“What I found here in Leeds went far beyond football. I found a house. I found teammates who became family, staff who treated me with respect and care every single day.
“And fans who live and breathe this club like nowhere else in the world. These four years have been filled with moments I will never forget.
“The highs, the lows, the lessons — they’ve all shaped me into who I am today. From that first walk onto the pitch at Elland Road to the emotional rollercoaster of the Championship, and. of course, to that incredible promotion to the Premier League.
“Every chapter has left its mark on me. This season’s promotion was one of the proudest moments of my career. It wasn’t just about football.
“It was about belief and fighting for these colours, seeing the joy on everyone’s faces, feeling the roar of Elland Road, and knowing we had achieved something special together.
“That’s a feeling I will carry with me for the rest of my life. From day one, I have done everything I could to give back through hard work, effort, and full commitment.
“This club has truly felt like home, and staying was something I felt ready for. But that possibility was never on the table.
“To the fans, the true soul of Leeds United, even during the tough times you stood by us and I will always be grateful for that. Leeds is not just a football club, or a city, it became my home.
“Even though my time here came to an end, that connection will never be broken. Thank you for letting me be part of this incredible club’s story. Marching On Together.”
Manor Solomon responded: “All the best mi hermano❤️”
Alex Cairns added: “What a diamond of a man , you will be missed ❤️ good luck to you and your family in what’s next!”
Josuha Guilavogui said: “You have made us Champions of England ❤️”
Archie Gray, now of Tottenham, said: “Legend 🥲❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Pascal Struijk said: “The best ❤️”
Darko Gyabi responded with: “What a guy, thank you for everything brother❤️🙏🏾”
Ilia Gruev also said: “Was a big pleasure my brother ❤️”
His full-back on the opposite side, Jayden Bogle, added: “My brother!❤️”
Willy Gnonto replied: “❤️🥲”
While Harry Gray also responded: “❤️❤️❤️”
Gabriel Gudmundsson in action for Lille
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Leeds’ search to replace Junior Firpo
Leeds must now find a Firpo replacement. One option could be a player with Champions League and Ligue 1 experience as well.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has emerged as a target for Leeds in recent weeks following the arrival of Jaka Bijol to bolster Leeds’ ranks.
As he has aged, Leeds target Gudmundsson’s profile has developed and he has become a better defender.
It’s why he has been trusted to operate as a central defender in a back three in some games for Sweden. That versatility would make the Lille man a great bargain addition.
The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the club, so a deal should not be difficult to strike.