Football League World
·17 July 2024
Real Betis reignite interest in Leeds United star
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Football League World
·17 July 2024
Junior Firpo has appeared on the Spanish side's radar again, ahead of a potential summer approach.
La Liga outfit Real Betis have taken an interest in another Leeds United player.
Marc Roca spent last season with the Spanish side and they have managed to get a permanent deal over the line for the midfielder, who never looked likely to return to Elland Road following his loan spell.
Diego Llorente was also heavily linked with a summer switch to Betis - and he sealed a move there earlier this month - potentially freeing up even more funds for Daniel Farke.
But the La Liga side may not be done with Leeds yet, with Junior Firpo now on their radar, according to Gonazlo Tortosa.
This isn't ideal for Farke, who will want to keep his key players in West Yorkshire beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
That may be a difficult task, although that assignment may have been made easier by the sales of Archie Gray, Glen Kamara and others.
As mentioned above, Roca and Llorente are two other players that have sealed permanent exits.
Charlie Cresswell and Kristoffer Klaesson have also departed for undisclosed fees and although Joe Rodon was recruited for a reported £10m, it seems as though Leeds have taken big steps to balance the books.
Firpo is on Betis' radar again, according to journalist Tortosa.
Conversations are currently taking place between the two teams to try and find a solution - and the player is believed to be keen on a return to Spain.
However, Betis have taken an interest at a time when the Whites don't have a huge number of left-back options at their disposal.
Rasmus Kristensen could potentially switch over to the left, but with Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh and Gray all departing, the Dane will be needed on the right-hand side if he stays put.
Sam Byram can also operate both on the left and the right - and could step up to the first 11 if Firpo leaves.
Firpo only has one year left on his contract.
And with this in mind, it leaves Leeds with a big decision to make on the left-back's future.
Considering how important he was in the final third during the 2023/24 campaign, it would be difficult to replace him.
He stepped up in many big games, including against Norwich City in the play-off semi-final second leg, and his partnership with Crysencio Summerville on the left-hand side was a very positive one.
It would be a massive shame if Leeds were to lose him now and considering they have cashed in on other players, they shouldn't be looking to offload to many other key first-teamers.
With this in mind, keeping him seems like a sensible option.
But the player only has one year left on his deal and to lose him for free would be extremely painful, so the Whites may need to consider cashing in on on him.
If he's sold though, a replacement or two will be required.