Godwin ObajeManor Solomon Sends Farewell Message to Junior Firpo as Defender Departs Leeds United
Manor Solomon has paid tribute to Junior Firpo following confirmation that the full-back has left Leeds United as a free agent, bringing his four-year spell at Elland Road to an end.
Firpo’s departure was formally announced this week, with the former Barcelona defender now on the lookout for a new challenge after playing a significant role in Leeds’ Championship title-winning campaign last season. The 28-year-old was a mainstay under Daniel Farke, helping the Whites secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
His exit marks one of several key changes in the Leeds squad this summer, as the club undergoes a substantial rebuild in preparation for top-flight football. While Firpo’s future had long been the subject of speculation, the confirmation of his release still sparked a wave of tributes from teammates and supporters alike.
Among those to send their best wishes was Manor Solomon, who spent time on loan at Leeds last season. The Israeli international took to social media to share a brief but heartfelt message for his former teammate, writing simply: “Good luck, champion.”
It was a classy gesture that reflected the camaraderie within Farke’s promotion-winning side, and highlighted the respect Firpo had earned during a turbulent but ultimately redemptive stint in West Yorkshire.
Signed from Barcelona in 2021 for a fee in the region of £13 million, Firpo initially struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football. Injuries and inconsistent form plagued his first two seasons at Elland Road, and he was part of the squad that suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
However, the 2024/25 campaign saw Firpo experience a renaissance under Farke. Operating as a dynamic left-back in a high-pressing system, he contributed both defensively and offensively, with his pace and overlapping runs proving vital to Leeds’ attacking patterns. His resurgence was widely praised by fans and pundits, and he leaves the club with his reputation restored.
Despite his improved form, Leeds opted not to offer the defender a new contract, instead choosing to reshape their backline ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. The club have already confirmed the arrival of Sebastiaan Bornauw from the Bundesliga, and more defensive reinforcements are expected before the new season kicks off.
Firpo, meanwhile, is expected to attract interest from clubs across Europe and beyond, with his blend of top-level experience and renewed confidence making him an appealing option on a free transfer.
Leeds United’s summer overhaul continues at pace, with manager Daniel Farke already making multiple additions as he prepares to compete in the Premier League. But Firpo’s departure marks the end of an era for a player who endured the club’s lowest points and helped engineer one of its most significant recent triumphs.
And with Solomon’s simple message – “Good luck, champion” – the sentiments of many inside Elland Road were neatly captured: appreciation, respect, and best wishes for the road ahead.
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