Leeds United: Daniel Farke reacts to question about Junior Firpo’s future | OneFootball

Firpo's future remains unclear at this stage, but Farke doesn't seem to be too panicked right now.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke doesn't believe it's the right time to address Junior Firpo's future at this stage.

Speaking to Leeds Live, he made these comments despite the fact the left-back sees his contract at Elland Road expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Firpo may not have been the most popular figure for a chunk of his stay in West Yorkshire, but he has been a real asset at times since the Whites' return to the Championship.

Registering one goal and three assists in 15 league appearances this term, he has been able to build on the attacking influence he had last term, with the ex-Barcelona man even registering an assist in the play-off semi-final second leg against Norwich City.

He will be gutted that he wasn't able to make a similar impact against Southampton in the final, but the defender may now be determined to guide his current team back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

However, his future is currently unclear, and not just because of his contract situation.

Earlier this month, he was linked with a move to Real Betis, but it remains to be seen whether a move will materialise.

Leeds could be preparing for his departure though, with the Whites recently taking a closer look at Plymouth Argyle's Bali Mumba.

Daniel Farke on Junior Firpo's Leeds United future

Firpo's contract may be coming to an end in just over five months, but Farke believes other issues mean this isn't a priority in the very short term.

He told Leeds Live: "Too many matches for that (contract talks) at the moment and also wanted him to concentrate on his rehab then finding his rhythm back.

"January (is) not the time to speak about this. Recruitment is pretty busy. There will be more relaxed times during the season to speak about it."

Junior Firpo's Leeds United future needs to be sorted out

The last thing Leeds will want to do is let Firpo leave for free.

They forked out a decent amount to recruit him and he's a key first-teamer, so letting him leave in the summer for nothing wouldn't be the best idea.

However, the Whites won't want to lose him either, midway through a promotion-chasing season.

It may be a good idea for all parties for contract talks to intensify to see whether an agreement can be reached in the short term.

If he signs a new deal, that will help to end uncertainty.