Leeds United have two pending free agents that can sign pre-contracts once the January transfer window opens in a couple of months. Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are playing on the final years of their contract, but talks of an extension will come in due time.
The two veterans are vital players in Daniel Farke’s team. So far this early in the season, Byram has made four appearances, while Firpo has recorded five.
Right now, unless there are undisclosed extension triggers, both full-backs will see their contracts end next June. Byram faced a similar situation last year but activated a one-year extension based on the number of appearances he made.
Daniel Farke on the futures of Junior Firpo and Sam Byram
Ahead of Leeds’ clash with Cardiff City on Saturday, Farke commented on the futures of the two defenders. However, he noted that with so much ongoing in the summer window and the start of the 2024-25 Championship season, he hasn’t thought about the contract situations of Firpo and Byram.
“If I’m honest, I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer and we had to speak about other things,” Farke said (h/t Leeds Live). “There will be the time when we speak about the future.
“You also know how much I really rate Junior and Sam, how important they are for us. Also from their personality. When we speak about Junior, especially also the last game against Burnley, after a long travel, he also played a really good game.”
For Firpo, losing him for nothing after paying between £10 million and £15 million to acquire him from Barcelona would be a significant financial setback. Moreover, the player might not spend a third straight season in England’s second tier.
It will be interesting to see what these two players decide to do and what Leeds also plots for their future. The club can choose to go in a different direction, too, so not only the players could opt for a new chapter. Will money or term be the issue? These next few months will tell us what direction all these parties take.
