Leeds United were able to enjoy their promotion celebrations with fans for the first time since 2010 during the open-top bus parade yesterday.
Leeds won the final six games in a row and only lost one of their final 28 games in the Championship to get to 100 points and win their second title in five years at this level.
Daniel Farke will remain in charge for Premier League campaign in 2025/26, but his team celebrated in style in front of hundreds of thousands of fans in Yorkshire’s largest city. Fans and players were able to come together at last after COVID-19 curtailed any such plans five years ago.
Ethan Ampadu was in particularly fine voice but a number of players were getting carried away as they hoisted the trophy into the air and belted out numerous songs that remain favourites in the fanbase.
Leeds’ Junior Firpo makes Barcelona comparison
Numerous players could have made their last appearances for Leeds, including Junior Firpo. There has been talk of a return to Spain for some time now, given that his contract is up this summer after four years at Elland Road.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis are one option for Firpo, should Leeds not look to extend his terms. At one stage of the parade, Firpo was seen asking Paraag Marathe to offer a new deal via Jayden Bogle. That was after talk of Betis escaping Ampadu’s mouth during the celebrations.
One man’s decision to wear a Real Betis shirt to the parade…
If anyone knows him, let me know.#lufc https://t.co/Y9AW2prSKP
Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post has moved to quash those rumours for the time being, but his future is up in the air. One thing is for certain, which is that Firpo has immensely enjoyed the last two seasons of his Leeds career on a personal level.
During the parade, he spoke of his admiration for the fans of Leeds, with a number of players blown away by the scenes in the city centre yesterday afternoon. During a particularly raucous part of livestream, he can just about be heard saying: “This is incredible.
“Look at this. I’ve never seen something like that. I won a title with Barcelona.
“I love you. I love you all. You are the best fans in the world.”
After two difficult years and two excellent years in a Leeds shirt, the appreciation for Firpo and his for the fans is absolutely a mutual feeling, no matter what happens next for him at Leeds.
Junior Firpo’s Leeds United goal contributions in 2024/25
Firpo was right to be fuming at being left out of the Championship Team of the Season recently, having achieved his ambition in terms of goal involvements.
He had to watch on from the away end against Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season, but there is no doubting his contribution to the team as a whole this term.
No full-back has more goal involvements than Firpo’s 14 this season in the Championship, with Jayden Bogle second on that particular ranking. Leeds have been utterly dominant out wide through their wingers and full-backs.
However, attentions now turn to the Premier League and there the question can be asked whether Firpo’s suitability is the same when the team is less ball-dominant. It’s a huge decision they need to make.
