Godwin Obaje‘Good Luck, Champion’ – Manor Solomon Bids Farewell as Junior Firpo Leaves Leeds United
Manor Solomon has paid tribute to Junior Firpo following the full-back’s official departure from Leeds United, bringing an end to his four-year spell at Elland Road.
The 28-year-old defender, who played a key role in Leeds’ return to the Premier League, has exited the club as a free agent this summer. The former Barcelona man departs after helping Daniel Farke’s side clinch the Championship title last season, capping a rollercoaster tenure in West Yorkshire with promotion back to the top flight.
Firpo’s exit had been anticipated as part of a wider defensive reshuffle, but confirmation of his release still prompted an outpouring of messages from teammates and supporters. Among them was Israeli winger Manor Solomon, who spent last season on loan at Elland Road and was quick to send a public message to his former teammate.
Taking to social media, Solomon simply wrote: “Good luck, champion.”
It was a short but poignant farewell that captured the esteem in which Firpo was held inside the dressing room. The message echoed the appreciation many at Leeds feel for a player who endured both highs and lows in his time at the club.
Firpo arrived at Leeds in 2021 for a reported fee of £13 million from Barcelona, tasked with solving a long-standing issue at left-back. However, his early years in England were far from smooth. Recurring injuries and patchy form saw him struggle to establish himself as a consistent presence in the side, and he was part of the squad that suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
But the 2024/25 campaign brought about a renaissance. Under Farke, Firpo thrived in a high-pressing, attack-minded system that suited his athleticism and attacking instincts. He became a reliable outlet on the left, offering pace, overlapping runs, and greater tactical discipline.
His performances were widely praised, and there were suggestions that Leeds could offer the Dominican-born defender a short-term extension. However, with the club now preparing for life back in the Premier League and looking to build a squad capable of staying there, the decision was made to part ways.
Leeds have already begun reshaping their backline, securing the services of Bundesliga defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, with more reinforcements expected. Firpo’s departure marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the club.
Though no longer under contract, Firpo is unlikely to be short of suitors. With Champions League and La Liga experience under his belt, and having shown clear signs of resurgence last season, he remains an appealing option for clubs across Europe.
As Leeds United continue their rebuild under Daniel Farke, Firpo leaves with the respect of the Elland Road faithful – a player who weathered difficult periods but finished his time in Yorkshire with dignity and redemption.
And in Solomon’s own words – “Good luck, champion” – the message is clear: Firpo leaves not as a forgotten man, but as a respected part of Leeds’ journey back to the Premier League.
Godwin Obaje
