John Newsome has described Leeds United's decision to allow Junior Firpo's contract to run in recent months as “astonishing”.
Firpo has emerged as a key player for Leeds since joining from Barcelona in 2021, contributing three goals and providing 15 assists in 100 appearances in all competitions.
This season alone, the full-back has scored once and made three assists in 15 Championship matches.
However, his current contract with Elland Road is set to expire at the end of this season, with no new deal in sight.
Firpo himself cast doubt on his future in November when he admitted he had options to move away from Leeds United.
“Football is like this. One day you're here, another day you're there. But this is the topic I've been discussing with myself since we were relegated to the second division.” said the 28-year-old. “Obviously I could have done the same thing (as the others who left), I could have left.
“I have my choices, and I think everyone knows that, and it's not something I can hide. I had my choices and I could leave, but as you say, my family is settled here. We're doing really well at the moment, but we don't know what the future will say for me.”
Junior Firpo: Newsome criticizes Leeds for 'astonishing' situation.
Allowing the contract of such an important player to drop this low will be a huge source of frustration for Leeds fans.
Former Whites defender Newsome described the situation as “amazing”, highlighting the quality on the pitch and transfer value that Firpo brings.
The BBC pundit said: “Frankly, I'm very surprised that the football club is allowing any player to enter the final year of his contract.” Leeds death news).
“Even if things change in the summer, the club gets promotion to the Premier League, is he a Premier League footballer, is he a player you want to keep?
“If the club doesn't get promoted, and the financial constraints mean they're being paid too much – at least you can do without them for money, so I find it quite astonishing.”
