Leeds join race to sign Barcelona fringe player Junior Firpo
By Max Cooper
Leeds United have joined the race to sign Junior Firpo, with the fringe full-back expected to be one of many players sacrificed in Barcelona's summer fire sale.
Barça's perilous financial position means that the Liga giants are looking to offload as many expendable players as possible, and the 24-year-old is one they believe could still command a decent fee.
Football Italia report that interest in Firpo has grown of late, with Premier League side Leeds now among the growing list of European clubs pursuing a deal.
The Whites face stern competition from the likes of Milan, Southampton and West Ham United for Firpo, and Barça will be hope that this level of interest will spark a bidding war and elevate his value in the transfer market.
Serie A heavyweights Milan are one of the parties keeping a close eye on Firpo, amid speculation that current left-back Theo Hernandez may move onto pastures new. However, it's believed that I Rossoneri are looking to agree a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season, something Barça want to avoid.
Consequently, the Premier League appears to be a more likely destination for Firpo - with at least the aforementioned trio of clubs weighing up a potential bid.
Firpo joined Barça from Real Betis in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth €18m. But he has been unable to dislodge Jordi Alba in the first-team, and his chances of nailing down a spot have dwindled as time has gone on.
He made just 18 appearances for the Catalan giants last season, with only seven of those appearances coming in La Liga. The Spaniard is seen as dispensable at Camp Nou, with new president Joan Laporta attempting to slash the wage bill and generate as much money as possible through player sales.
Barça have thus far dipped into the free transfer market to strengthen their squad, completing the signings of Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay.