Godwin ObajeJunior Firpo Drops Hint at Real Betis Return with Instagram Post
Junior Firpo has offered the clearest indication yet that he is set to rejoin Real Betis this summer, after the Leeds United full-back was pictured wearing a shirt belonging to former Whites teammate Marc Roca.
The 28-year-old, who played a vital role in Leeds’ return to the Premier League last season, is widely expected to depart Elland Road when his contract expires at the end of June. Spanish outlet El Desmarque report that Firpo is “counting down the hours” before he can officially re-sign for Betis, the club where he first made his professional breakthrough.
In a recent Instagram story, Firpo was seen posing in a Real Betis shirt bearing Marc Roca’s name and number. The image was accompanied by a green heart emoji and an hourglass — a combination that has been widely interpreted by fans and Spanish media alike as a clear message of his intention to return to Seville.
This post follows previous social media activity in which Firpo publicly interacted with Roca, who made the switch to Betis on a permanent deal after his loan spell from Leeds was converted. The pair are understood to have remained close since their time together in West Yorkshire.
El Desmarque suggest Firpo’s switch to Betis is a matter of when, not if. The left-back is expected to become the Spanish side’s third signing of the summer, and sources close to the club indicate that a formal announcement is imminent.
Firpo, who joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021, has endured an inconsistent spell in England, but enjoyed something of a resurgence under Daniel Farke this past season. Operating with more attacking freedom in the Championship, he registered four goals and ten assists — a career-best return that played a crucial role in Leeds’ promotion campaign.
Betis are said to be thrilled at the prospect of Firpo returning, believing he is arriving at the peak of his powers. Having first emerged through the club’s academy ranks, the Dominican-born defender made 43 senior appearances for the Verdiblancos before his high-profile move to Barcelona in 2019.
A move back to the Estadio Benito Villamarín would represent a homecoming for the full-back, and provide manager Manuel Pellegrini with a proven attacking outlet on the left side of his defence.
While Leeds had not closed the door on retaining Firpo beyond this season, the financial realities of promotion and squad restructuring appear to have made a new deal unlikely. The club has also been reluctant to meet inflated wage demands, as directors focus their attention on younger, more sustainable targets.
The move also provides Betis with a cost-effective solution as they navigate a tight summer budget — particularly appealing given Firpo will arrive on a free transfer once his Leeds deal lapses.
If all goes to plan, Firpo’s return to Heliópolis will be confirmed in early July, allowing him to take part in Betis’ pre-season preparations and reunite with Roca in green and white once more.
Godwin Obaje
admin
