Leeds United have a crucial summer on the cards over the next few months, needing to invest well to prevent being relegated from the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke’s side ended their two-year stint in the Championship after a 6-0 win over Stoke City a couple of weeks ago, before claiming the title with a triumph over Plymouth Argyle on the final day.
The German has a huge task on his hands to build a side capable of maintaining their top-flight status, whilst also doing good enough in the role to avoid losing his own job.
It’s unclear how much money he will have at his disposal during the off-season, but it’s pivotal that the board backs the 48-year-old in his quest to build an excellent side.
His task of doing so has already been a little bit harder, with it unclear if one player will remain at Elland Road upon the conclusion of the current campaign.
The latest on Junior Firpo’s future at Leeds
Left-back Junior Firpo has been a crucial member of the Leeds squad throughout 2024/25, making 32 appearances in the league and registering 14 combined goals and assists.
However, his excellent form within attacking areas may be his final contributions to the club, with his current deal in Yorkshire set to expire at the end of June – with no new contract on the horizon.
During the club’s title-winning bus parade on Monday, teammate Ethan Ampadu was heard chanting Real Betis in relation to the full-back, with the Spanish side just one team touted with a move for his signature.
He was also present on Jayden Bogle’s Instagram livestream, with the 28-year-old making a comment to chairman Paraag Marathe about a new deal at Elland Road.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will remain at the club ahead of next season, with Farke potentially needing to delve into the transfer market to land an adequate replacement.
The player who could be Leeds’ Firpo replacement
Left-backs in the modern game are extremely hard to come by, with Leeds having a challenge to replace the Dominican international should he depart the club.
Such a problem could’ve been solved had they kept hold of Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis, who was sold to the Tractor Boys in the summer of 2022, leaving the Whites for a reported £1m.
However, three years on, the 25-year-old has taken his career to the next level at Portman Road, notching 34 assists and helping Kieran McKenna’s side claim back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Undoubtedly, fans must wish they had kept hold of David, but could rekindle interest in another talented English star in the form of Archie Brown, who has previously been on their radar.
The 22-year-old Gent full-back, who came through Derby County’s academy, has impressed over the last few years, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur previously in the race for his signature too with a £15m deal mooted.
He’s featured in 45 games across all competitions in 2024/25, playing a total role in the club’s ambitions of claiming the Belgian Pro League title in the coming weeks.
When comparing his stats to those of Firpo, the Englishman has managed to better him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why the Whites should once again pursue a move for his services.
Games played
27
32
Goals & assists
4
14
Progressive carries
4.4
2.2
Carries into final third
3.7
1.6
Shot-on-target accuracy
36%
35%
Blocks made
1.4
0.8
Interceptions made
1.3
1.2
Take-ons completed
1.3
0.4
Aerials won
67%
58%
Brown, who’s been labelled “complete” and “fast” by Gent’s former head of recruitment Samuel Cardenas, has managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third – showcasing his direct nature with the ball at his feet.
He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – handing the club the added attacking threat in the Premier League.
However, Brown has also thrived defensively, making more blocks and interceptions per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels – handing Farke’s side the defensive solidity they will need in the top-flight.
Losing Firpo would be a massive blow to the side given the levels he’s produced this season, but with his contract rapidly ticking down, the hierarchy need to draw up a list of replacements.
Whilst Brown hasn’t been on their radar in recent months, the club should look to return to such a deal, with the youngster the perfect player for the role – subsequently having the potential to improve further down the line given his tender age.
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