Unsurprisingly, there are huge question marks over a number of Leeds United players right now, with Daniel Farke’s men yet to learn what division they will be playing in next year.
Leeds have booked their ticket to the Championship play-off final, with the Whites enjoying a win on Thursday almost as comfortable as the 4-0 thrashing of Charlton on the final day of the 2019/20 season, or the 5-0 victory at West Brom the following year.
The 4-0 win over Norwich included a number of notable performances. Joel Piroe has arguably never been better for Leeds, while Joe Rodon was colossal at the back.
But the game also saw an eighth assist of 2024 for Junior Firpo, with the left-back producing a deft touch to set up Crysencio Summerville when many would have been tempted to fire a shot at Angus Gunn.
Junior Firpo giving Leeds a bit of a dilemma
Firpo’s form, particularly in the final third, has come as a bit of a surprise, with the 27-year-old not exactly having the best time in the Premier League. He also spent the majority of the first-half of this season missing through injury.
It was no surprise therefore, that Leeds had not entered into contract talks with Firpo despite the fact that his deal at Elland Road is set to expire at the end of next season.
In some ways, selling Firpo this summer if promoted appears to be the wisest option as he can leave Leeds as a bit of a hero after such a turbulent spell.
But the confidence he is now playing with perhaps opens up a debate over whether Leeds should consider a bit of a u-turn and discuss a fresh contract with the £13 million former Barcelona man.
Defender has unfinished business at Elland Road
Of course, it is important to not get carried away. It was only a couple of weeks ago that Firpo made a big mistake on the final day of the regular season which led to Southampton’s winner against Leeds.
And obviously, there will be a question mark over him if the Whites do return to English football’s top table next season.
But Leeds have had so many issues at left-back since Charlie Taylor left the club, so getting eight assists from that position this season feels like a massive step in the right direction.
Leeds should not necessarily break the bank to keep Firpo, and it would be a gamble to offer him a long-term deal, but if there is a way to extend his contract by one or two more years, perhaps it is something the club should look to do.