‘Leeds starting duo are nowhere near Premier League level – get rid’
Leeds United may need to shake up their current squad with some players having already failed to prove themselves the last time they were in the Premier League.
Several names in Leeds‘ starting XI have raised concerns due to their underwhelming showings during the 2022–23 relegation campaign.
With the club preparing for life back in the top flight, there are expected to be a number of new arrivals to boost the first team.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are planning to bring in six new signings this summer to handle the demands of Premier League football.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well connected at Elland Road, told also Football Insider that Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo could be sold by Leeds, and has now said that they are “nowhere near Premier League level”.
Aaronson and Firpo were both part of the squad that suffered relegation, and doubts remain about whether they can step up if given another opportunity in the top tier.
Leeds urged to sell Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo amid concerns
Aaronson has endured a difficult season at Leeds, with fans consistently criticising his performances throughout the campaign.
Firpo, on the other hand, has been a regular under Daniel Farke, making 35 appearances across all competitions in their promotion-winning season.
Despite this, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that Leeds should look to get rid and sell both Firpo and Aaronson, as they were two players who clearly struggled with the demands of Premier League football, even though they featured regularly in the Championship this season.
“Last time Leeds were in the Premier League, players struggled,” he told Football Insider.
“They went up with a very similar squad and there’s players in that squad that struggled.
“Pick two out that have been playing every week in the Championship, Junior Firpo and Brenden Aaronson.
“They were nowhere near Premier League level…
“They’re going to have to strengthen the squad and they’re going to have to strengthen the squad in certain areas very cleverly.”
Despite hia importance to the team this season, Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds could allow Firpo to leave, with interest from several clubs in Spain.
His current contract expires this summer, and there is currently no indication that the club plan to offer him a new deal.
| Season statistics | Junior Firpo | Brenden Aaronson |
| Appearances | 35 | 46 |
| Goals | 4 | 9 |
| Assists | 10 | 2 |
Leeds working on new goalkeeper deal to replace Meslier
Another name who could be heading for the exit is Illan Meslier, who was recently dropped and appears to have lost Farke’s trust.
Football Insider revealed back in January that Leeds are actively working on bringing in a new goalkeeper ahead of the summer window.
Leeds have shown interest in Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone following an underwhelming campaign at Molineux, while Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale and Norwich’s Angus Gunn are also being monitored.