Andrea Radrizzani’s first reaction after Junior Firpo joins Leeds United – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Leeds United have signed Spanish full-back Junior Firpo on a four-year deal from Barcelona, and the club owner Andrea Radrizzani is happy that a deal has finally been gotten over the line.
The 24-year-old was one of the most exciting young players in the La Liga during his days at Real Betis, but everything went south at the Camp Nou, with Jordi Alba’s brilliant form and consistency preventing his development.
With Gjanni Alioski gone, Firpo has the chance to become Leeds’ undisputed starter at left-back.
Radrizzani is looking forward to the new player’s growth under Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa, reacting to the defender’s signing last night thus:
“Look, we’ve been waiting for long,” the Italian told the club’s official Twitter handle.
“Every week, I was expecting news from Junior’s agent and Victor. And finally, during the weekend, I got the feedback that he liked our proposal and he liked to join us, so we’re very happy and I think we put it out there an important element to continue to grow our club in what we deserve to be, and we’ll continue to grow, I’m sure about that.
“And as well for him, for Firpo, it is a fantastic opportunity for Junior to play with Marcelo because as you know he is a demanding coach, and also he will transform his career, I’m pretty sure about that.”
Junior is live! Watch the exclusive Q&A now as he answers questions from #LUFC fans, plus a special appearance from @andrearadri!
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 6, 2021
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Leeds have a top player on their hands, and Firpo will be looking forward to hitting the ground running in the Premier League after the last disappointing two campaigns.
Having joined Bielsa’s side just right in time for pre-season preparations, the former Spain youth international is on course to start against Manchester United in the campaign opener next month.
Such a clash is a dream top-flight debut for anyone, and the former Barca man has a lot of points to prove going forward.
Firpo will be looking forward to forcing his way into Spain’s senior national side ahead of next summer’s World Cup, and he will need to impress in his debut Premier League campaign to have a chance.
Alba will be standing between the Leeds new man and a place in La Roja’s starting XI, and he has got a huge battle ahead of him to revive his international career.
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Author:Joseph Scott