For Leeds United, replacing Junior Firpo this summer may be easier said than done. The Dominican international has been in fine form since returning from injury.
Upon Junior Firpo‘s return to the side against Cardiff City earlier in the year, it was clear from the off just how much better a side Leeds United are with his pace and creative threat down the left.
He picked up three assists in that 7-0 win alone. He’s picked up another three assists since and has scored twice as well, with an impressive nine assists and three assists in 25 Championship appearances so far this season.
Ahead of the summer, Firpo has changed his agent. He’s now with an agency that represents a lot of Spanish and a lot of La Liga players, which might be fitting given that Firpo has been linked with Real Betis this season.
The latest suggestions say that Firpo is unlikely to stay at Leeds United beyond this season, no matter the outcome in their race for promotion.
And one player who Daniel Farke has identified as a potential replacement is Hugo Bueno: the Wolves man has shone on loan ay Feyenoord this season and it’s reported that Leeds United are targeting Bueno ahead of the summer.
We spoke to Wolves expert Rosie Tudball, who writes for Molineux News, to get the lowdown on what Leeds fans could expect from the 22-year-old left-back…
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
What is Hugo Bueno’s current situation at Wolves?
“Many were shocked when Gary O’Neil loaned Bueno out at the start of the season, given how strong of a backup the Spaniard is to Rayan Ait-Nouri. It’s now become apparent that a loan was essential, with Bueno impressing at Feyenoord.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“The change in manager at Wolves gives the defender a real chance to impress when he returns, which is the expectation as he signed a new contract before he left on loan.”
Will Wolves sell Leeds United target Hugo Bueno this summer?
“From what we understand, Wolves want Bueno to come back and fight for his place. I think it’ll very much depend on whether Ait-Nouri stays or leaves, given the transfer interest he is racking up from ‘big clubs’.
“It’s also worth noting that Wolves paid only £3,000 to sign Bueno, so the opportunity for profit is huge if offers do come in. Barcelona are reportedly linked, which opens the door to a possible big-money move, Wolves now know that the Spaniard can cut it amongst the best, given his Champions League experience, which could, in turn, prompt them to bolster his price tag.”
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
What is Hugo Bueno’s best trait?
“What’s most impressive about Bueno at Feyenoord is how much joy he’s found getting forward. I think that given how Premier League managers are enjoying having full-backs who can get forward and invert, Bueno is the perfect profile for such.
“Julen Lopetegui considered Bueno to be above Ait-Nouri in the pecking order during his time at the club, telling of the level that the Spaniard can compete at in the top flight.”
What did Wolves fans make of his appearances in the Premier League?
“As explained, fans were shocked when Bueno first left, as the youngster was considered worthy and capable cover for Ait-Nouri on the left. The defender is highly rated in the fan base, even more so now that he has Champions League experience under his belt.
“Bueno is quick and direct when going forward, making him a success in Wolves’ system, which relies heavily on its full-backs. Fans are aware that he’s a talent that could make many clubs even better, starting with Wolves.”
Leeds United return to action at home to Swansea City in the Championship at the end of March.