EXIT CONFIRMED: Leeds United Confirm Departure of Four First-Team Players as Farke’s Rebuild Continues and Whites won’t be HAPPY with This Move

Leeds United Confirm Departure of Four First-Team Players as Farke’s Rebuild Continues

Leeds United have officially bid farewell to a number of senior players as Daniel Farke’s summer overhaul continues in earnest, with four members of last season’s first-team squad leaving Elland Road following the expiry of their contracts.

Defensive trio Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, and James Debayo will all move on today, 30 June, with none of the players agreeing fresh terms. Their exits follow the earlier confirmation that veteran midfielder Josuha Guilavogui would also depart the club after a short stint in West Yorkshire.

The club’s retained and released list, published over a month ago, gave early indication of the changes to come, but today marks the formal end of several chapters at Elland Road. As Premier League newcomers prepare for life back in the top flight, the departure of these players opens the door for fresh signings and a new-look squad under Farke’s leadership.

Firpo, who joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021, has endured a mixed spell in England, struggling with consistency and injuries. Despite occasional flashes of attacking promise from left-back, the Dominican international failed to fully cement his place as a long-term option. Interest in Firpo remains strong, and the 27-year-old is expected to attract offers from both La Liga and Serie A.

Sam Byram, meanwhile, leaves for a second time after returning to Elland Road in 2022. The academy graduate offered depth and experience at full-back and featured regularly during the Championship-winning campaign. However, with no agreement reached over an extension, he now joins the growing list of players seeking pastures new.

James Debayo, a promising young defender, also departs after finding first-team opportunities limited. While his performances at youth level had shown promise, Leeds have opted not to extend his stay beyond this summer.

Perhaps the most poignant departure is that of Josuha Guilavogui. The Frenchman, signed on a short-term deal midway through the season, made 16 appearances but did not start a single Championship match. Nonetheless, he became a popular figure in the dressing room during the title run-in. His deal, agreed through to the end of June, now officially ends today.

Though Guilavogui’s playing contribution was limited, his influence off the pitch has been appreciated.

“He’s been a leader in the dressing room and someone the younger lads looked up to,” a source close to the squad noted. “His experience at the top level brought a calm presence, even if his minutes on the pitch were few.”

With these exits confirmed, Farke now has greater flexibility to continue reshaping his squad. Leeds are expected to pursue reinforcements across several areas, with particular focus on full-back and midfield.

The message from Elland Road is clear: there is no room for sentiment as the club prepare for the rigours of the Premier League. Farke’s rebuild is well underway—and for Firpo, Byram, Debayo and Guilavogui, the next chapter begins elsewhere.