Leeds United still have some big earning players on their books from their days in the Premier League.
Despite the mass exodus after relegation 12 months ago, Leeds were able to keep plenty of their squad together, but failure to win promotion may have to change that.
Aside from Burnley, Leeds have spent a considerable amount more on transfer fees than the rest of the Championship.
Brenden Aaronson, Dan James and Georginio Rutter all cost in excess of £25 million and there is an opportunity for Daniel Farke to name a front four next season worth almost £100 million, even without spending a penny this summer.
And while Leeds’ PSR concerns have been eased by Archie Gray’s £40 million sale, they won’t always be capable to keep these high earners, the longer they stay in the Championship.
Graeme Bailey shares Leeds stance on Junior Firpo
Plenty of players have continued to be linked with an exit this summer even after Gray’s big money move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Crysencio Summerville is wanted by Liverpool and PSG, Glen Kamara has reportedly agreed terms with Rennes, while Charlie Cresswell is on the verge of joining Toulouse.
Leeds have also rejected a £30 million offer from Brighton for Georginio Rutter, while Junior Firpo, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford have all been mentioned as players who could be sold.
And speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has shared an update on Firpo’s future at Elland Road.
Bailey claims that Leeds would be open to letting him go this summer but may find it difficult due to the wages he is currently earning.
He said: “I think Leeds would like him to go but as we’ve seen with a lot of players in this window, just because a team want a player to go, doesn’t mean they will.
“Firpo is on a lot of money at Leeds and will be a very hard player to move on in my opinion unless you get a Turkey or something. Not an easy player to get off the wage bill.”
Leeds have last chance to sell Firpo
A decision is going to have to be made on Firpo as he is into the last of a four-year-deal since joining from Barcelona for £12.8 million in 2021.
As it stands, there is no sign Firpo will be offered fresh terms and so this summer is Leeds’ final opportunity to receive a transfer fee for him.
With eight assists from January onwards, Firpo proved himself as one of the best left-backs in the division last season but certainly isn’t irreplacable.
Firpo reported back for day one of pre-season on Tuesday despite being away on international duty last month, so one thing you cannot question is his commitment. One to watch.
