Following ‘good news’ at Elland Road, Farke ‘would prefer’ a free agent move.
Despite the knowledge that a £12 million player is reaching full fitness, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his team.
Despite ‘good news’ on Junior Firpo, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is looking to improve his left-back options at Elland Road by signing a free agent, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Whites spent more than £30 million on new players during the summer transfer window, but in their goal of an immediate return to the Premier League, they may have left themselves exposed defensively.
Junior Firpo is the most recent news from Leeds.
Firpo has given Leeds supporters hope that he is on the verge of returning to action after telling the Dominican Republic’s Momento Deportivo RD that he is nearing complete recovery.
Despite making 51 appearances for the Whites and scoring six goals, the left-back has been unable to participate since the start of the new season last month.
Despite the positive news, there are concerns that Firpo could be out for up to a month as he heals from a knee ligament injury.
The former Spain under-21 international, who has chosen to represent the Dominican Republic at senior level but has yet to win his first cap, has remained at Leeds despite the fact that several European clubs were keen to take advantage of his current club’s relegation to the Championship during the transfer window.
After Ligue 1 club Marseille dropped out of the competition for his signature, Turkish side Galatasaray attempted to take Firpo on loan for the remainder of the season, but a transfer to the Super Lig fell through.
The interest arose after journalist Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that the full-back would not be missed by Leeds fans if he pursued new opportunities.
However, data show that Firpo, who joined the club for £13 million from Barcelona two years ago, had only three colleagues who averaged more tackles per game in the Premier League last season.
What did Ben Jacobs think of Firpo and Leeds’ plans?
Jacobs is aware that Leeds is searching for a free agent to compete with Firpo for the left-back position if one becomes available.
However, the respected journalist has refused to rule out Farke backing the £60,000-per-week player if he impresses upon his return from injury.
Who could join Leeds as a free agent?
Ryan Bertrand, who has 19 England caps, has been a free agent since the summer, when his £80,000-per-week contract with Leicester City expired, and the Foxes elected not to offer fresh terms following their relegation from the Premier League.
Although he is a possibility for Leeds, Farke would need to act quickly since, according to the Daily Record, the ex-Southampton man has been offered to Celtic after manager Brendan Rodgers began seeking for left-back reinforcements due to Alexandro Bernabei’s troubles.
Bertrand has a good relationship with the manager of the Bhoys, having played 31 games for him at Leicester and Reading.
However, given that he was unable to make a single first-team appearance last season due to a long-term injury, and his only game time in the entire season came in the form of an under-21s outing against Manchester United in April, he could be a risky signing for Leeds.
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