Phil Hay has praised Junior Firpo’s contribution to Leeds United this season, but he still considers the full-back a “poor signing” in terms of value for money.
The 27-year-old’s start to the season was marred by injury, forcing him to wait until November for his first Championship appearance, but he has since become an important player for Daniel Farke.
Firpo currently has seven assists in 24 league games, including two assists in the 4-3 thriller against Middlesbrough on Monday (21 April).
Hay told The Square Ball podcast on Thursday (25 April): “I’m not being funny about Firpo, right? I still consider it a poor value for money deal since he was signed for the Premier League when Leeds finished ninth, and we were looking to build and strengthen.
“He was not particularly good in the Premier League, but he has provided assist after assist this season.
“When you tell the story of how it’s gone, if Leeds do go up, you’re not going to be able to exclude his contribution because he’s been pretty crucial.”
Junior Firpo restores faith at Leeds United
Leeds supporters had every reason to expect more from the 27-year-old full-back after signing him from Barcelona for £13 million in the summer of 2021, as reported by BBC Sport.
Fortunately for him, he appears to have won back the Elland Road faithful with his performances this season, and rightfully so, with some of his assists crucial to the Whites’ present position in the Championship table.
His essential importance was illustrated against Boro at the Riverside Stadium, where he provided the passes for Patrick Bamford’s goal and Crysencio Summerville’s second of the night, although a stunning strike from the winger.
While Sam Byram can play at left-back, it appears Farke prefers him on the opposite wing. Fortunately for the management, there have been no further catastrophic injuries from Firpo.
If the Whites are successful in gaining promotion to the Premier League this season, he must demonstrate that he is capable of providing his skills in England’s top league, having been signed for that purpose.
