Leeds United bid farewell to Junior Firpo in the summer as he re-joined Real Betis, but the left-back still holds the club dear.
United made plenty of changes to their squad after they confirmed their return back to the Premier League. One of the most notable was letting Junior Firpo leave on a free.
The left-back was one of the best players in the Championship over his two seasons under Daniel Farke. He then joined former club Real Betis on a free transfer.
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Junior Firpo shares brilliant reunion image with Marcelo Bielsa while on international duty
Firpo’s redemption arc to leave as a favourite of the fans was brilliant to see. Since returning to La Liga, his form hasn’t exactly been brilliant, but he remains a core figure for the Dominican Republic.
Last month, he faced Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay over in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bielsa’s men ran out narrow 1-0 winners, but the former Leeds pair shared a loving embrace on the touchline.
Sharing an Instagram update of his life recently, Firpo revealed a photo of him reuniting with Bielsa during that international fixture:
The Leeds love was there to see in the small following in the stands too, as Leeds fans made the trip to watch Firpo face Bielsa:
Leeds fans in the crowd in Malaysia today as Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay took on Junior Firpo's Dominican Republic in an international friendly 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/mhxPejo51F
— Newell's Old Boys – English News (@Newells_en) October 10, 2025
For Firpo, his focus this week will be on helping Betis build on their 3-0 win against Mateo Joseph’s Mallorca. They take on Lyon this Thursday in the Europa League.
Marcelo Bielsa’s lasting impact at Leeds United there for all to see
If it wasn’t already obvious, Bielsa left a lasting mark on everyone at Leeds. The players he coached, the fans in the ground, and everyone affiliated with the club loved him and it’s clear to see in this image.
A lot of these players will probably agree that Bielsa’s exit left a really sour taste, in the manner of it, and Firpo being able to catch up will have been great for him.
Seeing more of Bielsa’s Uruguay in 2026 as the World Cup looms could be an exciting watch for sure, as an England friendly possibly looms.
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