FC Barcelona is looking to load off their second choice left-back Junior Firpo in this summer transfer window. And according to Sport, two Premier League clubs West Ham United and Southampton have already tabled an offer for the youngster.
Firpo started his footballing career from the Real Betis youth team. He was promoted to the first team in the season 2018/19. He showed some impressive performances in his 29 appearances in all competitions.
This promising talent helped him to sign for Barcelona in the summer of 2019. He was mainly looked up to as an ideal replacement for aging Jordi Alba in the team. In his first season, he managed to appear 27 times for the Catalans while scoring one goal.
In his second season, he believed that he would be given a chance to prove himself. But he was mainly used as a bench warmer as a substitute. While occasionally covering the left-back spot in absence of Jordi Alba. This season he only appeared 18 times in all competitions, scoring only one goal.
Currently, he has still three years left in his contract. But, following his poor form and not living up to his potential, Barcelona has decided to offload the player. Firpo has been named among the 14 players who are available for transfer this summer.
Barcelona has received many offers for the left-back but all the deals lead to the loaning of the player. But the Catalans are not looking to loan Firpo as they want to get rid of him permanently.
It is believed that Barcelona has set a price of £16 million, with a potential £10 million in add-ons for the defender. As of now, it is reported that only West Ham United and Southampton are ready to pay the asked price for Junior Firpo.
Two Premier League Clubs lead the race for Junior Firpo
West Ham United finished the season in a strong place as they secured a Europa League spot for next season. The Hammers have been impressive this season especially in the second half of the season. However, they are looking for options to improve more in the next seasons.
The Hammers head, David Moyes is looking to make some changes in the team for the next season. Currently, he is focusing on the left-back position as he targets to sign Junior Firpo this summer. West Ham tried to sign the youngster earlier in January. However, the deal didn’t process as Barcelona was not sure to let go of their left-back option.
And now the Hammers are back again with an offer to sign the youngster. But this time it won’t be easy to sign Firpo as they might face tough competition from Southampton. The Saints are also in the race for the left-back this summer. Southampton is looking for a replacement for Ryan Bertrand in the team, as the 31-year-old is out of contract this summer.
It is believed that Ralph Hasenhuttl has found his replacement in Firpo, as he looking to build a bright future for the Saints. With the two Premier League clubs interested in Firpo, he will likely land in England for next season. But the question remains which team.
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