The first player to bring some cash to Barca’s empty coffers is Junior Firpo. After two largely underwhelming seasons with the Catalans, Leeds United have signed the quick 24-year-old left-back.It’s no secret that Barcelona are in a world of trouble. Their club president Joan Laporta has made keeping Lionel Messi his main goal, but it’s not an easy task. Barcelona is urged to sell players and slash their wage bill to keep their superstar, who is now officially out of contract. It’s not only a matter of finding enough money for new signings but also to comply with the Spanish Football Association’s financial rules.A discount sale has begun: Barca getting rid of Trinkao and Firpo, Umittiti and Pjanic set to become free agentsIn this kind of climate, selling players is the quickest way for the club to restore financial stability. In recent days, there was talk of Samuel Umtiti’s potential release from his contract or selling big earners like Antoine Griezmann. Those two agreements seem far away, so Firpo’s departure will at least give Barca a bit of time. What chaos!Leeds United won’t care too much about Barcelona’s financial troubles. They paid $16.5 million for the player that cost Barca $19.8 million two years ago when he arrived from Real Betis. It’s another hit for Barcelona, but a hit they are almost happy to take.Marching On Together! 💙💛 @LUFC pic.twitter.com/ap22dng27d— Junior Firpo (@JuniorFirpo03) July 6, 2021 The Dominican Republic-born Firpo moved to Spain at the age of six and has since represented them at youth international level. He broke through at Real Betis after joining them at the age of 18 and made 38 league appearances for the senior side. He then joined Barcelona as a long-term replacement for the legendary Jordi Alba – but he turned out to be a flop, infrequently featuring for Barcelona and making just 41 times in the last two seasons in all competitions. He seems to have found a club where he’s really wanted.”I am really happy, I wanted to be here and I always wanted to play in the Premier League. I saw Marcelo Bielsa in Spain when he trained there. He is a really good coach. He wants to press all the time, play one against one many times, and for me that’s my football – physical football. I think he will help me go to another level. I think at Leeds I can show the player that I am and I hope I can show the people how good I am.”Image: Firpo signing the contract at his new club. pic.twitter.com/MPG249zRbE— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 6, 2021 Leeds fans and their charismatic manager Marcelo Bielsa will be happy to add Firpo to their squad after coming to terms with the departure of their trusty North Macedonian international Ezgjan Alioski, who left Elland Road after failing to agree a new contract. The 29-year-old made 171 appearances, scoring 22 goals over four years following his arrival from FC Lugano. Firpo won’t have an easy task to replace the fans’ favourite, but Bielsa seems to believe that he’s got the right man for the job.
