Leeds United’s decision to allow Junior Firpo’s contract to run out in the final months has been described as “accidental” by Jon Newsome.
Firpo has become a key player for Leeds since joining from Barcelona in 2021, contributing three goals and 15 assists in 100 appearances in all competitions.
This season alone, the full-back has scored once and scored three goals in 15 Championship appearances.
However, his current deal at Elland Road is due to expire at the end of this season, with no new deal imminent.
Firpo himself threw his future into doubt in November when he admitted he “has options” to move away from Leeds United.
“Football is like that. One day you’re here, another day you’re there. But that’s the thing I’ve been talking to myself about since we went down.” said the 28-year-old. “Obviously, he could have done the same thing (like the others who left), he could have left.
“I have my options, I think everyone knows that, it’s not something I can hide. I had my options and I could leave, but as you say, my family is settled here. We’re doing really well at the moment, but we don’t know what the future will hold.”
Junior Firpo: Newsome slams Leeds for ‘shocking’ situation.
That such an important player’s contract has been left so low will be a huge source of frustration for Leeds supporters.
Former Los Blancos defender Newsome described the situation as “strange”, highlighting both the quality on the pitch and the transfer value that Firpo brings.
“In all honesty, I’m absolutely amazed that the football club would allow any player to enter the final year of their contract,” the BBC pundit said (via ITV Leeds News).
“Although in the summer things change, the club gets promotion to the Premier League, he’s a Premier League footballer, is that what you want to keep?
“If the club doesn’t get promoted and the financial constraints mean he’s on too high a salary, at least you can offload him for money, so I find that absolutely amazing.”
