What's next for Junior Firpo?

Recent reports have revealed that Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo has been offered a contract by French side Olympique Lyonnais (OL). The Ligue 1 club is attempting to lure the out-of-contract defender to France, as they look to strengthen their squad with experienced talent.

Firpo’s journey at Leeds has been a mixed one. His initial seasons were marred by injuries and inconsistent defensive displays during the club’s last stint in the Premier League. However, since dropping down to the Championship, the former Barcelona man has become a standout performer—particularly thanks to his attacking contributions. He chose to stay at Elland Road following relegation and, to his credit, has reinvented himself as a fan favourite.

In his last two Championship campaigns, Firpo has racked up an impressive 18 assists and 4 goals in just 61 appearances. For a left-back, that's quality attacking output. More impressively, he was part of a defence that conceded just 30 goals over the course of the most recent season.

However, his injury record continues to raise questions. Firpo has played just 61 out of a possible 92 league games, highlighting an ongoing struggle with fitness. That may have given the Leeds board pause for thought when considering whether to offer him an extension to his Leeds career. Even if Firpo stays, the club may look to bring in another left-back—either as competition or a potential starter.

Firpo has been settled in Leeds for four years. His children attend school in the city, and by all accounts, he loves the club. These factors could influence his decision to sign a new contract. However, if he believes Leeds are actively looking for a new first-choice left-back, that may tempt him to seek first-team opportunities elsewhere—especially if Lyon can offer guaranteed minutes.

It’s worth noting that Firpo has recently spoken out about his struggles in his first Premier League spell. He admitted that he returned to the starting XI too quickly after injury, never truly reaching his peak fitness. This, he believes, prevented fans from seeing the best version of him in the top flight.

Ultimately, the decision now lies with the Leeds board and recruitment staff. They must weigh the value of trusting Firpo against the potential cost of having to recruit one—if not two—new left-backs. His attacking quality is undeniable, and his redemption arc with the fanbase has been one of the more heartwarming stories of Leeds' recent seasons.

If he does leave, there’ll be no hard feelings. Firpo has earned the respect of the supporters, and they’ll no doubt wish him well. But many—myself included—hope he signs a new deal and finally gets a real shot at proving himself in the Premier League.

If Firpo does leave who would you want to see Leeds sign to replace him? Let us know on our message board.