Byram has been training with the side at Thorp Arch and filling in at left-back, where the Whites are
currently light in depth and quality. Junior Firpo is out for five weeks with a ligament injury and Max
Wober did not play at York due to what Farke described as a ‘transfer situation.’ Leo Hjelde, who came
to Leeds as a centre-back, started the friendly with Monaco at left-back and was replaced in the second
half by Byram.
“It’s too early to judge,” said Farke.
“Sam is obviously a top, top player once he’s fit and a top class character, a Leeds academy product, he’s
had a really good spell here and he’s homegrown which is also important for the Championship. He’s an
experienced player, that’s what we need in a few positions. We could definitely need also some signings.
But the most important topic for Sam is that his body is fit and ready to go.”
Farke was content with Byram’s showing in his first public friendly outing and says the ex-West Ham
United man’s physical condition is the priority right now. Injuries made life difficult for him at Norwich,
where he required two hamstring operations and spent 21 months on the sidelines. But his presence in
the Leeds squad right now is a plus, for Farke.
“I was quite pleased with him in the final 30 minutes today, he came in in a difficult spell, we were a bit
under pressure from Monaco and I think he had a solid start to life here in pre-season,” said the
German.
“The most important topic is that he stays fit and all the other topics are decisions that will be made in a
few weeks but we are all happy that we have him because he’s good for the dressing room at the
moment.”
READ MORE:
European interest steps up in Leeds United player
Junior Firpo on radar of La Liga clubs
After suffering relegation to the Championship, Leeds were expecting a big clear-out this summer, and
whilst some players have moved on, others are likely to follow.
Firpo is one who always seemed set to depart, and he has been linked with a move away. And, Spanish
media outlet Fichajes has revealed that Osasuna, Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad are all tracking the left-
back.
They state that there is a willingness from Leeds to let the former Barcelona man depart, whilst Firpo is
also keen to move back to Spain to continue his career at the top level.
Junior Firpo injury issue
Even though Leeds will be ready to let Firpo leave, along with the player wanting to go, it doesn’t mean a deal will be straightforward.
That’s after it was confirmed that Firpo has picked up a ligament injury that will rule him out until late August, with boss Daniel Farke confirming the blow when speaking to the Athletic.
“He’s out with an injury of a ligament, he’ll definitely be out for the next five weeks. He will also definitely miss the start of the season.”
The fact it’s not a long-term injury means that Firpo’s chances of a move won’t be over this summer, especially as we’re still a few weeks from the new season starting.
However, it’s hard to see any buying clubs pushing through a deal to sign the player now due to his injury status. It would make little sense for them to sign Firpo with his injury, as they will be paying his wages for the next month or so, when they could just wait until the end of the window.
With that in mind, it could be something that’s revisited towards the deadline, when Firpo is back
available.
Will Leeds miss Junior Firpo?
Even though he arrived with good pedigree, it’s fair to say that Firpo hasn’t lived up to expectations at
Elland Road, particularly defensively. So, most would agree that a departure this summer would suit all
parties.
But, it does present Leeds with an issue at left-back, which has been a problem position for some time
now. Leo Hjelde has potential, and centre-back Pascal Struijk can play there, but you would think that a
natural left-back is a priority for the ex-Norwich City chief before the deadline.
Leeds United summer transfer plans
Following on from that, it’s going to be a hectic period for Leeds over the next five weeks or so.
The delay in the EFL approving the 49ers takeover means the club are starting behind many of their
rivals when it comes to transfer business, and there’s still a lot that needs to happen.
There will be a desire to move players on, but Farke is going to have his own targets in mind, and there
are a few positions, including left-back, that need addressing quickly.
Leeds’ first game of the season is against Cardiff City at Elland Road on August 6.
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