Leeds United fans know that this summer, the team will undergo a few changes as they prepare for the Premier League. After the events of last summer, the club will be no strangers to anything new.
Losing the play off final last year saw an exodus of players that summer. The club lost Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter among a whole host of players. Leeds fans were disappointed, as the replacements signed did not look exciting. But the club still ended the season with promotion, and a league title win.
With the Whites going up to the Premier League next season, some departures are expected. Despite a reported £150million budget, some players will need to be offloaded to balance the books for PSR.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
Leeds United star set for exit
Credit: Imago Images
This summer, Leeds have three players who are out of contract. And with no news on a possible contract renewal, all three are expected to depart in the next month. Sam Byram, Junior Firpo and Josuha Guilavogui are the three players that could leave Elland Road. Guilavogui will not have his deal renewed, according to reports. And Byram is looking less likely to stay.
Junior Firpo’s future is still up in the air. The left back showed his quality this season, and played a huge part. During the title celebrations, he was seen on Instagram asking club chairman Paraag Marathe for a new contract.
The 28-year old is set t receive a new deal, but not from Leeds. TEAMtalk reported that the defender is in talks with Real Betis, but Graeme Bailey revealed that Barcelona are set to swoop in. Regardless of where he moves, his future lies in Spain and not England. Firpo’s contract is up soon, and as a potential free agent, he is free to sign a pre-contract ahead of his future move.
Leeds miss out on big opportunity
Regardless of the questions about Firpo’s defensive ability, he has been a solid contributor to the attack. And going into the Premier League, the club will need firepower. Giving the 28-year old a new deal would probably cost less than what Leeds will spend on signing a new fullback this summer.
