The Whites defender is expected to leave Elland Road this summer
Leeds United know a summer rebuild is top of the agenda for the incoming 49ers Enterprises ahead of their proposed takeover. The Whites are gearing up for their return to the Championship but a number of players face an uncertain future in Yorkshire.
Left-back Junior Firpo is among those expected to leave the club this summer. The Dominican international has been linked with a move to a number of European clubs, with Marseille the latest club vying for his services.
Firpo’s arrival from Barcelona was supposed to end the Whites’ struggles at left-back, but the 26-year-old has struggled since making the move from Spain. His €15million arrival, plus add-ons, is viewed as one of Victor Orta’s more disappointing signings and this summer could spell the end of a poor couple of years.
So where could Leeds turn to next? The Whites have done well in recruiting young talents and promoting through the academy but one young talent is catching the eye in Spain.
According to Macro-Football, Abner Vinicius has a 95.9 per cent similarity to Firpo and has followed a similar career path. Firpo came through the academy set-up at Real Betis – where the 23-year-old left-back currently plies his trade.
Vinicius clocked up 147 appearances for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil before the age of 22 before signing for La Liga side Betis for a reported €10million in January 2023 having replaced Alex Moreno who joined Aston Villa. Abner made his debut in the Europa League against Manchester United and it one of the brightest talents coming through Spain.
The young Brazilian made 16 appearances for Betis in all competitions and could be a longer-term target for the Whites. Manuel Pallegrini’s side have qualified for European football again next season, making a move to Elland Road unlikely this season.
However, if Leeds are able to win promotion back to the top flight and they’re looking for an attacking fullback, Abner may be the answer. Transfermarkt values the young defender in the region of €7million but his value could rise with a solid first full season in Spain.
