Lazio sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani is carefully considering a bold swoop for Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo, with the 28-year-old’s future still hanging in the balance as his contract edges toward expiry.
As first reported by Corriere dello Sport, representatives from the You First agency—tasked with managing Firpo’s affairs—were recently seen at Lazio’s Formello headquarters, where they held exploratory talks with Fabiani. While no firm decision has yet been made, Lazio have not dismissed the possibility of bringing the Dominican-born fullback to the Italian capital on a free transfer.
Further reports from Il Messaggero suggest that Firpo is one of several names being assessed by the Serie A side, especially as potential squad reshuffles loom. The club could receive a financial boost if young attacker Loum Tchaouna is sold to Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €15 million. Although Tchaouna and Firpo operate in different areas of the pitch, the possible influx of funds may give Lazio more flexibility in the transfer market.
Firpo, who joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 for around £13 million, has had a mixed spell at Elland Road. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency early in his Leeds tenure, he experienced a noticeable upturn in form under Daniel Farke during the 2023/24 Championship campaign, showing renewed defensive solidity and attacking flair. He featured in key fixtures as Leeds pushed for Premier League promotion.
Despite recent signs of improvement, uncertainty looms large. While talks with Lazio continue in the background, Spanish side Real Betis—where Firpo began his professional career—had previously been linked with a reunion. However, discussions appear to have stalled, reportedly due to Betis’ focus on their upcoming UEFA Conference League final.
Sources close to Firpo’s camp told a local Andalusian outlet this week that the defender is weighing his options carefully and has a “good offer” from Leeds United to extend his stay in West Yorkshire. That could still be on the table should he decide to continue under Farke’s project, which aims to secure promotion back to the Premier League after their recent play-off disappointment.
For now, all eyes are on Fabiani and Lazio. As the Serie A side considers their summer rebuild, Junior Firpo remains a viable and intriguing option—a free agent with La Liga and Premier League pedigree, and still capable of delivering quality performances at the top level. Whether that’s in Rome, Leeds, or back in Spain remains to be seen.
