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Leeds United have signed versatile defender, Junior Firpo from Barcelona on a four-year contract for £12.81m.
Firpo first graduated through Real Betis’ youth ranks into the senior team as a versatile defender across all three defensive positions, before joining Barcelona in August 2019 after helping Spain win the Under-21 Euro that summer.
Speaking to LUFC TV about how “really happy” he is join Leeds and achieve an ambition to play in the Premier League, Firpo revealed that he was attracted to the club after discussions with Leeds’ Director of Football, Victor Orta about the club’s long-term project.
Firpo also revealed that he can’t wait to play at Elland Road and is desperate “to see” a sell-out Elland Road this season, after UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced lifting of all restrictions from 19 July meaning that a full crowd could be in attendance for the Whites’ first home game against Everton on 21 August.
On his plans for what he wants to achieve at Leeds, Firpo said: “I only want to say I will give my all here, anytime that I play I will give 100% and I saw lots of messages from fans saying ‘Marching On Together’.”
Firpo also spoke of knowing what Marcelo Bielsa is like as a coach after previously seeing him train in Spain, adding: “I know the coach that he is, and for me he is a really good coach. He wants to press all the time, play one against one many times, and for me that’s my football.
“Physical football, running, having the ball, for me it’s not a problem and I think he will help me go to another level.
Firpo also spoke about his wish to show his potential to his fellow players, manager, club and fans, saying: “I think in this team I can show the player that I am, for me I hope I can show the people what I want to show.”
With two Spanish compatriots already playing for Leeds in Rodrigo and Diego Llorente, Firpo revealed that he has already held discussions with Rodrigo due to Llorente being on international duty for Spain who are currently preparing for their Euro 2020 Semi-Final against Italy tonight (6 July).
Explaining that Rodrigo had revealed that playing for Leeds would be “really nice”, Firpo believes that his experience at Barcelona with players like Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi will be of benefit to the team.
Firpo however is slightly wary of how physical Leeds and Premier League will be compared to previous possession based football he endured at Barcelona, yet has vowed to try and add “competitive DNA” plus “adaptability” to his and Leeds’ game.
Firpo will wear the number three shirt at Leeds and has joined the club with Barcelona’s blessings, as the Spanish club thanked him for showing “commitment and dedication” and wished the 24 year-old well for his future.
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