CONFIRMED: Sky Sport Confirms that Chelsea £50m Player’s Move to Leeds United Now Becoming Clearer After This Latest Development- He is a Better Replacement for Junior Firpo

Leeds United Eye £50m Chelsea Star as Junior Firpo Departs for Real Betis Return

Leeds United are reportedly considering an ambitious move for Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell as they search for a new left-back following Junior Firpo’s confirmed departure from Elland Road.

The 28-year-old Firpo, who joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021, has officially left the club after four turbulent but ultimately redemptive seasons in West Yorkshire. Despite a rocky start, often plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, Firpo flourished under Daniel Farke last season, becoming an integral part of the club’s attacking structure as they stormed to the Championship title with 95 goals.

Now a free agent, Firpo is expected to rejoin his former side Real Betis in La Liga—a move that had been rumoured for months. Leeds, in turn, are left with a significant void on the left side of their defence and are actively working to identify a suitable replacement.

One high-profile name that has emerged is Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell. The England international has endured an injury-hit few seasons at Stamford Bridge, but his pedigree and experience at the highest level make him an attractive target for any side looking to solidify their defence with Premier League-ready quality.

Veteran commentator Ian Darke, speaking to MOT Leeds News, commented on the links between Leeds and Chilwell:

“It is only a big blow if they fail to find a good replacement. Suspect they have someone lined up—people like [Aaron] Cresswell and Chilwell are on the market.”

However, Darke also tempered expectations by acknowledging the wider challenge promoted clubs often face in the transfer market:

“Promoted clubs have an issue of getting better players to sign for a probable relegation fight; more average players will take the Premier League money and take their chances.”

While Chilwell’s name carries weight, questions remain over his fitness and form. Once considered one of the Premier League’s elite full-backs, the 28-year-old has seen his career stall due to recurring injury setbacks. Any deal would come with risk, particularly given the reported £50 million price tag Chelsea once paid for him and the high wages involved.

Elsewhere, Leeds are continuing talks with Wolfsburg centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw, as the club look to strengthen multiple areas of their squad ahead of their Premier League return. Meanwhile, Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson is believed to be high on the club’s left-back shortlist. The Swedish international is seen as a more attainable and system-compatible option for Farke’s aggressive, high-tempo approach.

The club’s recruitment team is now under pressure to find a player who can seamlessly slot into Farke’s fluid system, where full-backs play a crucial role in transition and build-up play. Firpo, despite his early struggles, had grown into that role, and replacing his output will be no easy task.

With the transfer window heating up and the Premier League campaign on the horizon, Leeds are wasting no time in exploring both bold and pragmatic options to ensure their return to the top flight is built on a strong foundation.