Leeds United supporters are expressing concern that defender Junior Firpo might be heading back to Real Betis, following comments made by teammate Ethan Ampadu during the club`s recent promotion bus parade.
The Whites celebrated their return to the top flight with an estimated 150,000 fans gathering in Leeds city centre for an enthusiastic parade.
Amidst the lively celebrations, Ampadu took the microphone and sang a popular chant dedicated to Firpo. He sang about Firpo`s past at Barcelona, winning the cup in Spain, and now playing for Leeds, predicting he`d do the same here, calling him “magic.”
Leeds fans enthusiastically joined in the chant with Ampadu.
However, the Welsh international`s subsequent actions during the parade were more alarming for the fanbase.
The 24-year-old repeatedly shouted “Real Betis,” which is Firpo`s former club in Spain.
Left-back Firpo, who joined Barcelona from Betis in 2019 before moving to Leeds, has frequently been linked with a return to the La Liga side. Adding to the speculation, Firpo is reportedly nearing the end of his contract with Leeds United next month.
Seeing clips of Ampadu`s shouts online, Leeds fans reacted with concern. Comments on social media platforms included questions like “Real Betis it is then?” and acknowledgements like “thought he`s off once Ampadu said that.” Some fans were more accepting, suggesting he would leave as a “legend.”
Firpo has previously commented on his future and the possibility of returning to Spain. Last month, he reportedly told Marca that returning to Spain, especially to Betis, was an option he “always ha[d] open,” describing Betis as his “home” as a fan of the club.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post after promotion was secured, Firpo mentioned that his future would be something to discuss with the club after the season, once their plans were clearer.
Firpo joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 and has made 119 appearances for the club. This past season has been noted as his most productive campaign in England, contributing four goals and ten assists from left-back.
During the parade, manager Daniel Farke also engaged with the fans, pretending to act as a DJ while the crowd sang celebration chants. Farke, celebrating his third Championship title, joined in the festive atmosphere.
Separately, speculation regarding Farke`s own position at the club was addressed by Leeds CEO Paraag Marathe the previous day, who publicly affirmed his support for the manager, stating, “He is my man.”
