It is now expected that Junior Firpo has played his last game for Leeds United and the chances of him signing a new deal at Elland Road are growing thinner and thinner.
Reports say it is ‘widely anticipated’ that Firpo now leaves Leeds. The retained list confirmed Leeds are in talks with Firpo – as well as Sam Byram – but interest is growing in The Dominican Republic international.
Lazio, Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all want Firpo, while Betis are also said to be in talks with the Leeds left-back about an emotional return to a side that currently boast Marc Roca and Diego Llorente.
Leeds will need a new left-back if Firpo does depart and Marcelo Bielsa might have the perfect player for The Whites this summer, in the form of a set-piece specialist currently playing in Brazil for Palmeiras.
Joaquin Piquerez is quickly becoming the best left-back in Brazil
In the summer of 2023, Leeds were trying to sign Joaquin Piquerez from the Brazilian Serie A side. But his club ruled out a sale, even with Tottenham also interested in landing the 14-time Uruguay international.
A set-piece specialist, Piquerez has sparkled for Palmeiras over the last four years – clocking up a huge 188 appearances and having a hand in 32 goals. Not just assists, an even spread of 16 goals and assists.
Given the way the Brazilian league is scheduled, Piquerez is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract at Palmeiras and the left-back’s club may be more tempted to cash in if offers arrive very soon.
Marcelo Bielsa has helped Piquerez take his game to a new level
When Bielsa took over as manager of Uruguay in May 2023, Piquerez had just eight Uruguay caps to his name – playing once after a run of seven caps before December 2021. He had been left out by Uruguay.
But under Bielsa, Piquerez featured in five of Bielsa’s first six games and then his last game, a 0-0 draw against Bolivia. Piquerez had failed to make any appearances for much of 2024 due to a knee injury.
However, when fit, Piquerez has been picked by Bielsa with the Leeds legend recognising the quality Piquerez offers going forward – but also in defence. If Leeds need a left-back, Piquerez is the signing.
