Versatile star tipped to end defender’s Elland Road stay as Paul Robinson names player who Leeds ‘don’t need’

Paul Robinson feels Junior Firpo may be the player to make way for a new left-back if Leeds opt to bolster that area of the pitch this summer.

Firpo, 26, is currently in his second season with the Whites after signing from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. The Elland Road outfit paid Barca just €15m for his signature. The former Spain Under-21 star enjoyed a productive first campaign in West Yorkshire, making 19 starts among 24 Premier League appearances.

However, his defensive capabilities were called into question on many occasions.

The Dominican Republic-born ace struggled with injury in the early part of 2022-2023 and was subsequently marginalised by Jesse Marsch.

However, the arrival of Javi Gracia appears to have been the catalyst for an upturn in fortunes.

His performances are trending in the right direction, with nine consecutive starts to his name. He is part of a Leeds side struggling to maintain their Premier League status.

They host Crystal Palace on Sunday looking for the three points that will help put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

Firpo looks set to play his part against the Eagles but doubts remain over his long-term future.

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And former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson believes the ex-Real Betis man’s days at the club may be numbered.

“I can see him leaving in the summer. You don’t need three left-backs because you don’t need three left-backs,” he told MOT Leeds News.

“Pascal Struijk can play there, he will be around next year because he’s a versatile player.

“He can play anywhere across the back and holding midfield and has played a lot of the season at left-back.”

Firpo surplus to requirements

Leeds have nine games left to fight off the threat of relegation. Dropping into the Championship would doubtless see an exodus of players from Elland Road, with Firpo likely to be among them.

But Robinson is adamant that he will be jettisoned regardless of the division they are in if another full-back arrives at the club.

“They don’t need Firpo, Struik and another left back, if they bring another player in, it will be at the disposal of Firpo,” he added.

Former club have eyes on Firpo

Firpo is still young enough to make a name for himself elsewhere. And one club said to have an interest in the defender is Betis.

The Santo Domingo-born star played for the Spanish club’s youth team in 2014-2015 before transitioning to the senior setup.

He enjoyed 43 first-team outings in all competitions, scoring five goals for Los Verdiblancos.

And it was reported back in January that he is keen on a return to Estadio Benito Villamarin.

It remains to be seen if that happens or if Robinson’s prediction turns out to be correct.

But he will certainly be giving his all to try and keep Leeds in the Premier League over the next few weeks.

A decent showing will help put him in the shop window if Gracia does opt to dispense with his services.

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