Junior Firpo spent four years at Leeds United before leaving them as a free agent at the end of last season.
The left-back was a key part of Daniel Farke’s squad. He helped the Whites secure promotion to the top flight and was clearly popular at the club.
Last season, Junior Firpo contributed to 14 goals [four goals and 10 assists] in 32 Championship matches. Leeds United made attempts to extend his stay, but the 29-year-old decided to return to Real Betis.
AS now report the Dominican Republic international hasn’t impressed for the La Liga side this season.
Betis wanted to strengthen the left side of their defence, partly due to Ricardo Rodríguez’s mixed performances last season. Junior Firpo was the man chosen, with a hope of making a ‘qualitative leap’ via his arrival. That hasn’t happened.
Junior Firpo hasn’t made an appearance in the league since September 19th, after making four starts prior to then.
AS report Manuel Pellegrini is favouring Rodríguez due to his experience and leadership qualities. Junior Firpo, on the other hand, has ‘barely sparked’ at Real Betis.
Pellegrini has explained Junior Firpo hasn’t completely adapted yet at Real Betis, after spending four years at Leeds United. With these multiple factors, he’s now facing challenges to earn a place in the starting XI.
AS’ title states ‘Operation Junior’, indicating Pellegrini and Real Betis are hoping to recover his best form. They have a busy schedule in the coming weeks and the manager could rotate his players.
The newspaper end the report by stating: ‘…Pellegrini hopes that Junior will at least show his cards that have yet to appear on the table.’