According to ABC, Junior Firpo is prepared to put up the money to move from Leeds United to Real Betis this summer.
The news agency claims on their website (16 July) that negotiations have already taken place between the two teams over a contract for the left-back, who may go on loan if the Whites are not promoted back to the Premier League.
Given that Firpo’s contract expires in the summer of 2025, Leeds may expect a price to enable that, but the Dominican Republic international is willing to take a pay cut in order to support Betis in completing a transfer.
Only on their conditions may Leeds United conduct business.
Leeds is under no obligation to offload anyone this summer following the sales of Glen Kamara to Rennes for about £8.6 million and Archie Gray to Tottenham for £40 million.
However, this does not guarantee that no more players will depart, since several first-team players are being pursued, so the team needs to consider all options.
As Firpo approaches the final year of his contract, it was anticipated that he would be free to depart this summer [Phil Hay, 12 March]. However, with Connor Roberts leaving following his loan and Rasmus Kristensen’s future uncertain [YEP, 13 July], Daniel Farke is left with just two alternatives at full-back.
Transfers will undoubtedly occur, but a deal shouldn’t be approved if Leeds is unable to locate a suitable replacement for Firpo. It won’t do anything but weaken the team and hurt their prospects of getting promoted.
Ideally, Firpo won’t cause a commotion in response to a move because he is in training and is aware of his importance at Elland Road. However, the 49ers would have to reaffirm their dominance and make a significant choice if that occurred.
