The 49ers have inherited a huge credit card bill following their takeover of Leeds United from Andrea Radrizzani and the club still owe money for a player signed during Marcelo Bielsa’s era.
Reports claim that Leeds owe a massive £190m in transfer fees, though that is likely to be offset by the sales of Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams. All of that figure does not need to be repaid this summer.
Leeds have spent big over the past few years, bringing in players like Brenden Aaronson and Georginio Rutter who will combined cost the club a fee of £60m though it is likely not all of that has been paid, yet.
The 49ers will need to sell a few players this summer to help reduce those costs, one of which a report from Spain claims is still due on a player signed during Marcelo Bielsa’s era back in the summer of 2021.
Leeds United still owe money for “unbelievable” defender
FC Barcelona Noticias compile a list of 15 players that they are still owed money for, having agreed deals that will see the Spanish giants receive future payments down the line and possible future incentives.
Junior Firpo is listed as one among players like PSV Eindhoven’s Sergino Dest, French defender Jean-Clair Todibo at Nice and Sporting Lisbon attacker Franciso Trincao. Leeds still owe money for Firpo’s arrival.
It is a bit of a surprise that Firpo is listed given Leeds signed the Dominican Republic left-back back in the summer of 2021, for a fee of £13m. He has gone on to play 84 times for Leeds over the last three years.
Leeds owe money for Firpo but Whites may sell him in summer
The defender is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Elland Road and there is a decision to be made. Firpo has attracted interest during his time at Leeds, even admitting so himself recently.
Leeds need to do one of two things this summer in order to avoid losing Firpo on a free. Indeed, letting Firpo go for nothing in a year’s time will be a massive blow in regards to Financial Fairplay, a huge loss.
So, Leeds have got to tie Firpo down to a new deal which seems unlikely given “unbelievable” Firpo will have suitors in the top tier. Or, they sell him this summer and bring in a fee, even if they still owe cash.