Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United are in no rush to extend Junior Firpo’s contract amid injury and fitness concerns.
Joining the Whites from Barcelona in 2021 for around £15 million, Firpo, 27, was expected to become one of the Premier League’s best right-backs.
However, after struggling with his discipline, the Dominican Republic international failed to keep the Whites in the top flight and has since been forced to play in the Championship.
And ahead of his contract expiring next summer, Palmer believes the club should consider parting ways.
“I can see why people are talking about not renewing his contract, he has struggled with injuries and that is a problem. You obviously don’t want to go into the new season with a player that is often out,” he said.
“He’s having a tremendous season this season, he’s doing really well, five assists in 17 games for a left-back is outstanding. But, I don’t think Daniel Farke will be in any rush to make a decision, and they need to win promotion first before looking at the situation.
“They may sit down with the player and think it’s better for him to move on in the summer, so they can go out and strengthen that left-back position if he doesn’t feel Firpo is capable of cutting it in the Premier League.
“But, there’s no panic at the moment. Leeds United do not want to go into the Premier League thinking the left-back could miss parts of the season, so that’s a factor that comes into it. I don’t think it’s an issue at this moment in time, as he still does have a year to run on his deal.”