Junior Firpo shares what Leeds United fans have been telling him when he’s been spotted in public, and on the “street” with his family ahead of Sunday’s Championship play-off final.
Firpo is expected to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Leeds on Sunday afternoon when Daniel Farke’s side go up against Southampton at Wembley, after a stunning second half to the season.
The left-back, who is about to enter the final year of his contract at Elland Road, has laid on eight assists since coming into the side after the turn of the year. He spent the first half injured, on the sidelines.
With Illan Meslier, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, 27-year-old Firpo is a definite starter come Sunday as he continues to finally show fans what he can do.
Speaking to LUTV ahead of the play-off final, Firpo shared what fans have been doing when he has been out and about in public with his family “in the street”, ahead of Sunday’s huge clash against The Saints.
Firpo says Leeds fans are ‘buzzing’ ahead of Sunday’s final
The defender has been superb for Leeds and down his side, there is a key battle come Sunday. Stopping David Brooks, but also Firpo and Summerville getting the better of Kyle Walker-Peters, will be crucial.
The England star and former Tottenham man has been one of the best players in the Championship this season. Firpo shared what fans have got across to him in his latest interview, with the club’s website.
“To be fair, it’s one of those weeks where i’m going out, in the street with my family, with my kids and everyone is just buzzing. It gives you a big boost for the game. I can feel it is a big week for the club.”
Firpo focus on Sunday but what about his long-term future
The £13m signing from Barcelona signed a four-year deal at Leeds in the summer of 2021 and that is about to enter a final 12 months. Reports state that Leeds were unlikely to hand Firpo a new contract.
But his form has been incredible of late, with former Leeds star Jon Newsome recently describing the left-back as “absolutely outstanding” after the win over Middlesbrough in which Firpo laid on two assists.
There are two reasons why Leeds should offer him a new deal. Firstly, because of his form but secondly, losing him on a free represents a huge loss with Financial Fairplay, Leeds cannot allow that to happen.