Leeds United are preparing to say goodbye to a number of first-team players today as part of Daniel Farke’s ongoing summer rebuild. The contracts of Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, and James Debayo officially expire on June 30, while Josuha Guilavogui also departs after the club confirmed his exit last month.
Firpo Eyes Return to Spain Amid Betis Interest
Left-back Junior Firpo appears to be on the verge of a return to his boyhood club Real Betis. The 27-year-old, who featured regularly under Farke last season, has turned down a contract extension at Elland Road and is reportedly willing to accept a pay cut to facilitate his return to La Liga.
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo recently confirmed negotiations with the player’s camp, stating:
“It’s true that there are talks with Junior Firpo. He’s a free agent. His signing hasn’t materialised yet; there are still some details to be worked out. Let him serve as an example – he’s a player who left in his day and is now extremely eager to return.”
Should Firpo complete the move, it will mark a full-circle moment in his career after he initially left Betis for Barcelona before arriving in England.
Byram’s Future in Doubt Despite Interest in Staying
Sam Byram, who provided depth and experience across the defensive line last season, is another player who will officially become a free agent at the end of today. Despite previously expressing a desire to remain at Elland Road, there has been no confirmation of a contract renewal.
Byram’s departure, combined with Firpo’s likely exit, would significantly reduce Leeds’ full-back options heading into the new Premier League campaign, potentially prompting fresh recruitment in that area.
Debayo Yet to Sign New Deal But Expected to Stay
Young centre-back James Debayo, who made his senior debut last season, has been offered new terms but has yet to put pen to paper. Leeds Live reports that the club still expects the highly rated 18-year-old to stay on despite today’s expiration of his existing contract.
Debayo, along with Firpo and Byram, will be formally off the books by July 1, but Leeds United still retain the option to re-sign any of the trio in the coming weeks.
Guilavogui’s Exit Already Confirmed
French midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who was on a short-term deal, has already been confirmed as a departure. Although a respected figure in the dressing room, he failed to make a league start for the Whites and his contract comes to an end today as planned.
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