Leeds United have shared some behind-the-scenes footage of day one of pre-season back at Thorp Arch today.
The Whites have returned slightly later than the majority of other Championship sides due to their 2023/24 campaign having lasted until the final week of May with the play-off final.
Despite two major international tournaments taking place, the majority of Leeds’ first team squad were back today. Joe Rodon was one major exception after only sealing his return to the club on Tuesday.
Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober are likely to be back on similar dates having all been knocked out of the Copa America and Euros respectively in the last few days.
Unlike Aaronson, Kristensen and Wober still need their futures clarifying. However, it would appear the writing is on the wall for Diego Llorente, who was absent on day one.
Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Junior Firpo in for day one of pre-season
It was nice to see all of the big names back at Thorp Arch on the day one of pre-season YouTube video, with Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter all clearly very happy to be back.
That is despite all the ongoing speculation in the background surrounding their futures, with the latter having attracted a shock £30 million bid from Brighton in the last few days.
Charlie Crew will be hoping to emulate Archie Gray in having a breakthrough campaign and was with the first team squad yesterday, while Sam Greenwood is back from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Junior Firpo were perhaps the most surprising faces to see back on day one, having all been away on international duty last month.
Crew was also, of course, away alongside Ampadu and James with Wales, but as a young player looking to establish himself, it wasn’t a surprise to see him back so soon.
However, those three have had considerably less time off than the non-internationals in Leeds’ squad, with Firpo only finishing on June 12, and the Welshmen slightly earlier on June 9. Either way, it is good to see them all back.
Firpo set to represent Dominican Republic at Olympics
Though Firpo is back for day one of pre-season, it won’t be long until he is jetting off again to represent his country.
He has been selected in the Dominican Republic’s squad for the upcoming Olympic games that start on July 24, despite the fact Leeds were under no obligation to do so.
This could be a pretty telling sign that Leeds are expecting to let Firpo go, considering Mateo Joseph was prevented from being named in the Spain squad.
Reports have suggested Leeds will sell Firpo this summer, and this decision, coupled with the fact he has just 12 months left on his deal, means all the signs are pointing towards that.
