Director says player “extremely eager” to join from Leeds United – Sounds proud of club’s pull
Real Betis in Advanced Talks to Re-Sign Junior Firpo from Leeds United
On June 12th, reports from Spain indicated that Junior Firpo is on the verge of sealing a return to Real Betis, the club where he first made his name. The 28-year-old full-back previously spent five years with the La Liga side, rising through their ranks and establishing himself in the first team before securing a move to Barcelona in 2019. Two years later, in 2021, Firpo made the switch to England to join Leeds United.
Speculation around his return to Betis has intensified in recent weeks. According to El Día, Firpo has agreed personal terms on a three-year deal valued at approximately €14 million in total, though the official announcement has yet to be made.
Last Friday, Real Betis officially unveiled another new signing—goalkeeper Álvaro Valles—during a press event attended by the club’s sporting director, Manu Fajardo. As expected, journalists took the opportunity to ask Fajardo about Firpo’s situation, given the growing number of reports linking the Dominican Republic international with a move back to the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo covered the exchange, quoting Fajardo as confirming active negotiations with the defender.
“It’s true that there are talks ongoing with Junior Firpo. He’s currently a free agent,” said Fajardo, acknowledging that the player is set to depart Leeds United after the expiration of his contract. “While his signing hasn’t been finalized yet, the discussions are quite advanced. There are still a few details left to be ironed out, but it’s clear that he is eager to come back. He serves as an example of a player who left the club and now wishes to return with real enthusiasm.”
Earlier reports from Diario de Sevilla on June 11th revealed Firpo’s strong desire to rejoin Betis, even if it means accepting reduced wages. The player is said to have turned down more lucrative offers from elsewhere in order to facilitate a return to his former club—an attitude that has won him plaudits from those within Betis.
Fajardo echoed this sentiment during the press conference, stating: “Is he taking a pay cut? Yes—and that’s something we’re proud of. It’s a source of pride for us that players who once left Betis are now ready to return, prioritizing the club and the project over financial benefits. Junior is a perfect example. If we’re able to bring him back, it’s because he is genuinely willing to make sacrifices in order to wear our shirt again.”
The sporting director also touched on the club’s broader philosophy when it comes to financial management and squad building, especially under the constraints of modern football economics.
“For us, maintaining the sustainability of the club is paramount. That doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from making ambitious signings, but any additions to the squad must align with our values and financial capabilities,” he said. “Players who come here must understand and respect that. In Junior’s case, it’s clear that he’s made the choice to return for the right reasons, and that means a lot to us.”
With both the club and the player keen on a reunion, the final steps in the deal could be completed soon. Should the move go through, it would mark a sentimental and strategic homecoming for Firpo, who looks set to relaunch his career at the very place where it all began.