Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo is set to join Real Betis after his contract expires on June 30, according to Fabrizio Romano. Firpo has signed a three-year contract with the La Liga side and will be returning to the club where he started his career, despite Leeds offering the Dominican Republic international a new deal.
Leeds United Cult Hero Junior Firpo to Join Real Betis After Contract Expires
What We Know So Far
When Leeds United announced their retained list for the 2025/26 season back in May, they revealed that the club “remained in discussion” around a new contract for Firpo. The full-back signed a four-year deal when he joined the Whites back in 2021, and it appears that the club have been unable to convince Firpo to stay.
The defender played an integral role in Leeds’ Championship title-winning season, scoring four goals and recording ten assists in 32 league games, highlighting how the 28-year-old has become a key attacking weapon in Daniel Farke’s side. However, it is no secret that the club are looking to sign another left-back this summer, especially as there are still questions around whether Firpo would be effective in England’s top flight, so the Dominican would likely be demoted to a backup option.
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Furthermore, the left-back has reportedly kept a strong connection with Betis, the club whose academy he joined aged 18 and where he made his professional debut back in 2017. The Sevilla-based side have also secured Europa League football next season and showcased their European pedigree by reaching this season’s UEFA Conference League Final.
Junior Firpo: Cult Hero
Although initially considered a figure of ridicule when he first arrived at Leeds from Barcelona in the 2021/22 season, where questions were raised about his perceived lack of defensive quality, Firpo has become one of the club’s most popular players. A true “cult hero”, the 28-year-old earned the fans’ adoration through hard work, showing an unflinching desire to get the club back to the Premier League, and is the recipient of the club’s finest chant.
There is therefore something poetic about Firpo departing Elland Road after winning the Championship title, representing a complete transformation from Premier League villain to second-tier hero. In total, the left-back made 122 appearances for Leeds United, scoring six goals and recording 22 assists.
Which Other Leeds United Players Are Out of Contract This Summer?
Leeds remain in talks over a new deal for fellow full-back Sam Byram, whose contract is set to expire this summer. The 31-year-old re-joined boyhood club Leeds back in 2023 and has been an important squad player for the Whites, making 76 appearances across the last two seasons.
Josuha Guilavogui, who joined the club as a free agent on a season-long deal back in October, departs the club after making 18 appearances in all competitions.
Loanees Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell have returned to Tottenham and Bournemouth respectively after both played key roles in Leeds’ Championship success. Leeds are reportedly keen to sign Solomon permanently, after the 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive spell at Elland Road last season, scoring 10 goals and recording 12 assists.
