Transfer Rumors: Leeds United Crowds European Team In Barcelona Midfielder Pursuit – Report

KEY POINTS

Leeds United joined the race for Junior Firpo as Barca tries to manage its financial bind, a report says
Milan is among his top suitors, but Barca is unlikely to settle for a loan deal, according to reports
Firpo could head to the Premier League if Barca gets an acceptable offer for Spaniard

Junior Firpo of FC Barcelona is expected to be one of the fancied players this summer transfer window. Barca will be sacrificing players in what has been branded as a summer fire sale, and the Spanish left-back is a target of several teams in Europe, reports have said.

It appears the list has swelled with reports that Leeds United is now joining the race for the services of the 24-year-old player. The club becomes the latest one tied to the Spanish footballer, with the likes of Milan, Southampton and West Ham United also keeping tabs on Junior’s situation, Football Italia reported. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

Barca is in a financial bind, and the La Liga giant is expected to offload some of its talents. Firpo is someone who could net them a fair return — a reason why interest in Junior has grown as of late.

Of the teams linked to the Spaniard, Milan appears to be the club that could put him to good use. There have been reports that Theo Hernandez may move out to seek better opportunities. This would leave a void in the left-back position that Firpo could fill.

However, the thing about this scenario is that the Whites are considering only a loan deal with an option to buy, Marca previously reported. According to the outlet, Barca is believed to be aiming for a permanent deal, something that could force them to explore offers from other clubs.

Firpo may prefer to join a club where his future is clear. He made 18 appearances for the Catalan giants last season, seven of which were in La Liga. However, his inability to dislodge Jordi Alba and get a regular spot has become a concern. Further, the chances of him cracking the starting lineup have reportedly dwindled.

Given that scenario, Firpo has been seen as dispensable and is one player likely to be dealt away. Team president Joan Laporta is determined to slash the wage bill of Barca, and the one way to address that is through player sales.

Firpo arrived at Camp Nou in 2019 after Barca agreed to a $21 million deal with Real Betis. A move to the Premier League is seen as the more likely scenario for the 24-year-old. However, that will still depend on the best offer that comes Blaugrana’s way.