Leeds approach Aston Villa for their defender after major Firpo exit
(Credit: NFFC on X)
Leeds United are preparing to lose defender Junior Firpo this summer, and have now made a move for his replacement.
Firpo was outstanding at left-back as Leeds won the Championship, but with his contract at an end he appears ready to depart.
Leeds need to sign a defender to replace him, given how important the full-back was both defensively as well as going forward.
Aston Villa outcast Alex Moreno has now been targeted as a replacement for Firpo, just as he was at Real Betis in 2019.
Leeds make contact for Moreno ahead of Firpo exit
It has now been reported that Leeds have made direct contact with Aston Villa to sign Moreno in recent hours, who spent the season on loan at Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
Moreno replaced Firpo at Betis in 2019 when the left-back joined Barcelona, and this move could now come full circle, as it appears that the Leeds star will return to Seville to rejoin Betis.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 32 | 4 | 10 |
Betis were also keen on Moreno, but Firpo’s return opens the Spaniard up for a potential move to Leeds, but there is still competition from other clubs.
Journalist Santi Aouna has now reported that Burnley and Real Sociedad also admire the 32-year-old, but unlike Leeds, have not made a move to sign him.
Moreno could replace Firpo at Leeds
Firpo provided 10 assists from left-back in the Championship this season, and this attacking output will be hard to replace.
Losing the 28-year-old on a free transfer will be a huge blow for Daniel Farke, but Moreno could arrive as an experienced, low-cost replacement.
Moreno suffered an injury-hit campaign at Forest after an impressive start, recording just 19 appearances over the course of the season, but was a solid performer at Villa before Unai Emery decided to part ways with him.
The Spaniard has made 55 Premier League appearances over the years, and could slot straight in at Elland Road as Firpo’s replacement if Leeds can tie up a deal quickly.
Leeds may be concerned at Moreno’s recent injury record and elect to sign another full-back on top, but securing an experienced option for a potentially low fee is a good start as they aim to replace one of their most impressive performers from their title-winning campaign.
Related Posts
