Leeds United’s £12.8m Barca target ‘arrives for his medical’

Leeds United are “likely” to announce the £12.8m signing of Junior Firpo from Barcelona next week as he has arrived for his medical, according to reports.

Firpo signed for Barcelona from Real Betis in 2019 for €18m plus an additional €12m in potential add-ons.

First-team opportunities have been hard to come by for the 24-year-old as Jordi Aldi has kept his place at left-back for the most part.

West Ham, Southampton and AC Milan have all shown interest in Firpo in recent months.

But last month, Leeds United joined the race to sign the full-back.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have jumped ahead of their rivals as they have agreed on a £12.8m deal with Barcelona.

The Athletic have now revealed that Firpo has “travelled to Leeds” to complete his medical. They add that they aim to announce the new signing next week.

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The report reads: “Junior Firpo is in England as he prepares to complete a permanent move to Leeds United.

“The Barcelona left-back is on the cusp of a €15 million (£12.8 million) switch to the Elland Road side. He has travelled to Leeds ahead of a medical.

“The Athletic understands a move to Leeds is likely to be announced next week. Left-back is a priority position for Leeds during the summer transfer window.”