According to the latest reports from Spanish outlet El Desmarque, Leeds United left back Junior Firpo is pushing for a return to his former club Real Betis [via TeamTalk].
Betis are looking likely to be in the market for a left back, as Premier League side Aston Villa complete the signing of Alex Moreno from the Spanish side.
Firpo is said to be on his former side’s radar, and he would be open to a return to La Liga having never fully settled at Elland Road. Since signing for the Whites in the summer of 2021, the 26 year old has struggled with ongoing injury problems and inconsistencies in his form on the field.
Leeds have already bolstered their defensive options this January with the signing of Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg. Despite coming off the bench to play in midfield in the Whites FA Cup third round clash with Cardiff last weekend, Wober is expected to cover the left back role which is currently filled by an out-of-position Pascal Struijk.
Firpo is under contract at Leeds until the summer of 2025. This would complicate an immediate transfer, as it affects the likelihood of completing negotiations before the end of the January transfer window. If nothing is to come of this speculation this month, it could be something we see re-emerge in the summer.
After rising through the ranks at Real Betis, the Spanish defender joined their first team squad from 2018 to 2019, and impressed to the point that he secured a move to Spanish giants Barcelona before coming to England. Firpo has had his difficulties in the Leeds team, but there have been times that he showed signs of the played we hoped we’d be seeing.
We’ll monitor this one closely and bring you any developments as they arise.