Real Betis of La Liga has expressed interest in Leeds United’s Junior Firpo before the January trade window opens.A significant portion of the Whites’ fan base, according to transfer insider Dean Jones, will undoubtedly be eager for the 27-year-old to leave.As Firpo approaches the last 18 months of his £60,000-a-week deal, teams like Marseille and Galatasaray were interested in signing him.

Fans of Leeds United will be “happy” to see Junior Firpo finalise his Elland Road departure because “patience is wearing thin,” according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who explained  why manager Daniel Farke ought to be making every effort to enable a January transfer.

Despite the fact that several Whites players departed the team when they were demoted from the Premier League on the final day of the previous season, with the proceeds from summer window sales raising about thirty million pounds, the 27-year-old was not among those players who decided to take on a new challenge.

However, Firpo will have another chance to go on to fresh pastures at the beginning of the year. The former Norwich City head signed a four-year contract in July, and he has battled to establish himself as a key player in Farke’s ambitions since then.

 

Firpo in line for return to former side

As they get ready for Juan Miranda’s possible transfer to AC Milan, Real Betis is eager to officially confirm Firpo’s return to the Benito Villamarin Stadium after deciding to sign a loan agreement, according to French media site Foot Mercato.

According to the report, the La Liga team has stepped up their efforts to sign the left-back, who is keen to terminate his Leeds career. He has had his playing time restricted this season due to a knee ligament injury.

Firpo would be able to quickly reunite with Marc Roca by travelling to Betis. Roca spent the entire season on loan from the Whites, where he made 36 appearances across all competitions but was unable to keep the team in the top division.

How Junior Firpo performed during his first spell with Real Betis
Appearances 43
Goals 5
Assists 7
Yellow cards 12
Sent off 0
All statistics according to Transfermarkt

After Ligue 1 team Marseille withdrew from the contest to sign the Dominican Republican, he was also connected to a summer transfer to the Super Lig. However, he ultimately decided to stay in Yorkshire, and Galatasaray tried to sign him on a temporary basis.

Joe Wainman, presenter of the JustJoe Football Show, recently told revealed that he ‘wouldn’t even call him a footballer’ after Firpo didn’t measure up in a Leeds shirt. It seems that Wainman would be happy to see Firpo go.

The Betis target is set to enter the final 18 months of his £60,000-per-week contract at the beginning of the new year, so the Whites may view the rapidly coming January transfer window as a prime opportunity to cash in.

Even though Firpo joined Leeds about two and a half years ago after joining from La Liga powerhouse Barcelona for £13 million, a slew of managers, injuries, and poor form have prevented him from having the kind of influence he would have desired.

 

Dean Jones update – Junior Firpo

Jones thinks that a sizable portion of the Leeds supporters, who have grown weary of Firpo’s failure to return to his peak play, would be relieved to hear that he is leaving before the January transfer window closes.

The reputable writer believes that as it would be advantageous for all sides, it makes financial sense for the Whites to start talks with Betis about a possible mid-season move.

Jones disclosed:

“I do think he is a better player than Leeds have seen so far, but patience is wearing thin. I think that a lot of Leeds fans will probably be happy to see the back of him.

“From Leeds’ point of view, I think they should be working to make this deal happen. If there is genuine interest from the Betis end of things, and the player is looking for that emotional return to somewhere that might help him get back to his best form, it probably makes sense for everybody.”

Gray wanted in Premier League and Bundesliga

Liverpool and Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Leeds teenager Archie Grey ahead of the January transfer window, but Farke has no intention of approving his departure and has plans to bring Grey back to the Premier League right away.

According to the report, the Whites have started new contract talks in an attempt to ward off supporters of the midfield player, who has played a lot despite still waiting for his senior debut. However, Newcastle United and Manchester City are also reportedly keeping an eye on his situation, having first considered talking to him after Everton and Crystal Palace.

Due to the fact that Grey is set to begin the last 18 months of his £1,000-per-week contract in January, many teams have identified the new year as a possible window of opportunity to make an offer, but Leeds are standing their ground.

Ben Brereton Diaz

Leeds United may show interest in Ben Brereton Diaz again after his early Villarreal career has been difficult.

 

Transfer insider Jones said recently that the 17-year-old is eager to succeed with his boyhood club rather than pushing for a move, giving the Yorkshire giants a significant boost in their hopes of keeping the player. However, he cautioned that a switch may be in the works if a swift return to the Premier League is not achieved immediately.