Good Morning. It's Tuesday 27th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Should Leeds offer Firpo new deal Junior Firpo's transformation at Leeds United has been nothing short of remarkable. From a perceived liability struggling to adapt to life at Leeds, he blossomed into a key player under Daniel Farke, enjoying what could arguably be described as the season of his career. His attacking contributions, with four goals and ten assists, coupled with a WhoScored rating of 7.24 (second only to Manor Solomon), paint a picture of a player finally fulfilling his potential. With his contract nearing its end, the question looms: should Leeds offer him a new deal? The emotional argument is certainly compelling. Firpo's resurgence has endeared him to the Elland Road faithful. He’s gone from scapegoat to a player they genuinely appreciate. Letting him go would mean another club potentially benefiting from the development Leeds have invested in, particularly given the free-roaming role Farke instilled that unlocked his attacking prowess. However, sentimentality must be tempered with pragmatism. Firpo's wages present a significant consideration. Reportedly earning around £90,000 per week, alongside Patrick Bamford, he represents a substantial chunk of the wage bill. This money could potentially be allocated to several other players, strengthening the squad in multiple positions. The crucial question then becomes: Is Firpo good enough for the Premier League? While he thrived in the Championship, the step up in quality is undeniable. His previous struggles in the top flight raise concerns about his ability to consistently perform against higher caliber opposition. please log in to view this image Bamford plans to keep going for another 5 years Patrick Bamford has declared his intention to keep playing football for another five years, a statement met with skepticism considering his form and fitness. Speaking on the Ben Foster podcast, Bamford outlined his ambition to continue playing as long as he 'enjoys it' and can maintain a "good level." However, in reality, the chances of even finding a new club in England (when his contract expires in twelve months time) seem unlikely. He managed just 235 minutes of league game time last time out across 17 substitute appearance, and recorded a Whoscored rating of just 6.08, placing him 24th within the Leeds Utd ranks. It raises serious questions about his ability to compete at any level! He currently earns a substantial £90,000 per week, or £390,000 per month. It's unlikely any English club would gamble on his services unless he's prepared to accept a drastic reduction in wages – perhaps as much as 95% or £5000 per week, which for some clubs in the Championship is still significant! While Bamford's contributions during the Marcelo Bielsa era are fondly remembered, there's a growing sense that Bielsa's demanding training regime has ultimately shortened his career. The intense physical demands placed on players could have contributed to the recurring injuries that have plagued Bamford in recent years, hindering his ability to consistently perform at his best. please log in to view this image Leeds United Target Bayern Munich keeper Daniel Peretz on Loan Leeds United are reportedly in contention to sign Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on loan this summer, adding to speculation surrounding the future of Illan Meslier. Talks are understood to be underway as the Whites look to potentially bolster their goalkeeping options. Peretz, a 24-year-old Israeli international, joined Bayern Munich in 2023 from Maccabi Tel Aviv. However, opportunities have been limited, with only seven appearances across two seasons. Keen to gain valuable first-team experience, Peretz is now seeking a temporary move to prove his worth and ultimately cement his long-term future at the Allianz Arena. Speaking earlier this year, Peretz made his ambitions clear: "My dream is still to become Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper. That’s why I don’t want to be sold or leave permanently. My plan is to go on loan after the season, get minutes, improve, and be ready for Bayern." According to reports, Bayern's primary objective is to ensure Peretz receives regular playing time next season. Several clubs have expressed interest, making the competition for his signature fierce. While Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven are currently considered frontrunners, reportedly seeking a replacement for their expected outgoing goalkeeper, Walter Benitez, Leeds United are also firmly in the mix. PSV can offer the allure of Champions League football, giving them a potential edge in negotiations. However, Leeds, along with Burnley and Genoa, have also reportedly made contact with Bayern Munich in recent weeks, indicating their serious interest in securing Peretz's services. This interest from Leeds inevitably raises questions about the future of Illan Meslier. The Frenchman's suitability as the club's first-choice goalkeeper has been debated for some time. Fueling the speculation further is the report that Meslier has given notice on his rented accommodation, prompting suggestions that he could be departing Elland Road this summer. please log in to view this image
Morning from the Algarve....bamford will keep going for another 5 years! why not when you only have to play 5 games a season @ circa 20 minutes a game
Morning all Firpo - Every day I keep reading another team has joined the race to sign him, even Barcelona has been mentioned. I’d offer him a standard contract for a squad player, take it or leave it. It sounds like he might have some great offers on the table, if so we shouldn’t be looking to better them, just offer what we feel is fair. We’ve obviously sounded out a lot of players, hopefully we’re not far away from a few answers
Firpo? Sometimes it’s a ‘better the devil you know’ argument. You’d like to think everyone at the club is aware of the troubles he had in the PL. However, it was a different system, new league and he had a run of injuries so we don’t know how fit and settled he ever was. What we do know is that he’s settled in to Farke’s system, times his overlaps and attacking runs really well and is a genuine attacking threat. Actually he looked good going forward in the PL. If we let him go, that’s one more player to replace with the associated risks. If we ‘resign’ junior there is no transfer fee and less impact on our other spending - PSR ok that’s the case for keeping. The case for letting him go, is watching some of the car crash defending from his time in the PL - he ‘s never been the quickest and seemed to show little in the way of defensive instincts. It’s different making rampaging runs in the championship when you have little defensive work to do compared to being torn at relentlessly by PL wingers. TBH I trust there are better judges of players than me at the club who can weigh up the pros and cons but I’d rather we kept him… as Ristac says… Set a cost at which it makes sense and make it a take it or leave it. Be good to know sooner or later so the club can prioritise accordingly.
As Milky says Firpo really is a conundrum, it would all go down to how much trust Farke as in him but as Ipswich found out with Davis, it's more important to have a defender than can defend over how many assists they get in the championship. Having said that, LB is a position there isn't a lot of quality out there and one we've probably struggled with more than any other, since Dorigo, some say Harte but for me he was a poor defender and was lucky to be playing in that team
Good afternoon all. Firpo is a difficult one, however, if it’s true that we’ve agreed personal terms with Tsimikas, then wouldn’t that mean he’s leaving anyway? I’m also a little concerned that all the keepers we seem to be being linked with are reserves for their clubs and can’t get a game, thought we might have learned that lesson from Kiko. We need a very good goalkeeper to have any chance of staying up.
We don't need an attacking left back like Firpo next year. We'll need a solid defensive player to solidify our back line. Therefore, as others have said, offer Firpo a 'squad' contract. The only use we will have for him is the 10-15 minute cameo if we are chasing the game and need a goal. He is one of the worst defenders I've seen and will get ripped apart in the PL again. Its horses for courses innit.
I had him in ‘game chasing cameo’ or ‘home games we’re earmarking to get at sides’ role too. My only caveat is, what applies to firpo largely applies to bogle too. If we play two defensive full backs who don’t cross the half way line all season then we might as well sack Farke and get Sean Dyche in. It’s a tricky one. At what point do you abandon your playing style completely. The ‘attacking 6’ is what brought us success - yet none of us have the confidence of trying it in the PL. I imagine most hope that Farke can switch between the West Brom/burnley away set up and our usual game as appropriate to the circumstances. Easier said than done if you’re trying to hire players that can do both.
They could have been a little more Leeds with their cocktails. Piroe Colada Foden Daiquiri Bloody Bamford Tanaka Sunrise Firpo Mojito
