Leeds United are considering a move for Republic of Ireland U21 international Anselmo Garcia MacNulty as a possible replacement for Real Betis target Junior Firpo.
Continuity looked to be the advantage Leeds held over their rivals in the promotion race this season, but with every day that passes for Daniel Farke, he’s seeing more of his squad touted for moves away.
With that, they’re in need of replacing, which could be the case for left-back Junior Firpo after a stellar 2024 at Elland Road.
Junior Firpo wanted by Real Betis in reunion transfer
Reports from Spain have shared that Real Betis are eyeing a third transfer agreement with Leeds this summer, having already landed Marc Roca and Diego Llorente on permanent transfers.
The third is that of Junior Firpo, who came through the Seville club’s academy previously, and Estadio Deportivo share that they would be keen to bring him back to Betis this summer.
A loan is suggested by the above reports, even though Leeds don’t have a loan clause present in Firpo’s current contract, but the defender’s wages could cause an issue there.
Leeds identify Anselmo Garcia MacNulty as Firpo replacement
Interestingly, the report also shares that Leeds would want to have a replacement in the doors soon if they are to sanction Firpo’s return to Betis.
The name in mind currently is claimed to be PEC Zwolle’s 21-year-old defender Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, born in Seville but a Republic of Ireland youth international playing in the Eredivisie:
“Thus, as STADIO has learned, at Elland Road they are working as an alternative to Anselmo García MacNulty, a former Betic player who currently plays for the Dutch PEC Zwolle, where he has had an excellent season as a left-back although his natural position is as a centre-back.
“Betis is monitoring him very closely for the future and at Leeds they have him highlighted on their agenda and have already explored the possibility of signing him this summer as ED has been able to find out.”
There’s likely no doubting that Garcia MacNulty is a talented player, but the fact that he’s more naturally suited to playing at centre-back says it all.
We need our left-back to play quite high and wide in the Championship, rather than being a more defensively minded player.
So this ‘alternative’ that Leeds are said to be considering doesn’t really tie in at all with the profile of left-back Farke needs.
