Leeds United could look to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window if Junior Firpo isn’t impressing, according to journalist Beren Cross.
The Lowdown: Firpo under pressure
Firpo joined the Whites in the summer of 2021, with many hoping the former Barcelona man would prove to be an upgrade on Ezgjan Alioski.
Instead, the 26-year-old has struggled to consistently convince in a Leeds shirt, looking susceptible defensively and assisting goals just twice in 27 appearances.
For now, Jesse Marsch looks to be showing trust in Firpo after not signing a new left-back in the summer despite the Spaniard’s injury issues, but that could change when January arrives.
The Latest: Cross makes transfer claim
That’s the op,inion of Cross in a Q&A for Leeds Live, as the reporter claimed that the defender’s form before the next transfer window could prove the deciding factor:
“It feels like the jury has been out on Firpo since he arrived. Form and fitness have failed him throughout his 12 months here, but he could not have asked for more support this summer. “The club was resolute in its backing of the left-back, but the absence of a natural back-up must mean Leeds will be tempted in January to find another if Firpo really isn’t delivering the goods by then.”
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The Verdict: Key few months
This certainly feels like a key period in Firpo’s Leeds career coming up, in terms of him providing strong performances week in, week out, not to mention having to stay fit, too.
Should he continue to divide opinion come January, it would be a big surprise if a new left-back didn’t come in, potentially replacing him from the off and even leading to his exit next summer.
Firpo has quality – you don’t play for Barcelona if you don’t possess a degree of talent – but his all-round game has to go up a significant gear if he is to be a genuine success story at Elland Road.