'I miss you' - Junior Firpo sends message to Leeds star after Elland Road exit
Leeds United's new-look defence is taking shape after Junior Firpo's departure at the end of their promotion-winning season.
Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises have been busy in the transfer market this summer with a conscious effort to prioritise additions in Leeds' defence, with four of their seven new arrivals playing at the back.
Lucas Perri's £15.6million move from Lyon gives Leeds the 'top' goalkeeper they needed, and Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson have added much-needed depth to Farke's backline.
Gudmundsson has inherited the number three shirt left behind by Firpo after his exit from Elland Road was confirmed on 1 July, and he's expected to be Leeds' first-choice left-back for the new campaign.
Firpo 'misses' Bogle after Leeds combination breaks up
Firpo's much-anticipated move back to Real Betis was finally confirmed on 17 July, moving on after his most productive season in a Leeds shirt resulted in four goals, 10 assists and the Championship title.
Bogle chipped in with a further six goals and four assists from the opposite flank, and his place as Leeds' starting right-back next season is assured after a strong display in their first friendly against Man United.
The former Sheffield United star is expected to have another strong season at Elland Road after his £5m move last summer, and Bogle posted on Instagram to celebrate his 25th birthday on 27 July.
Bogle to become key pillar of Leeds' Premier League battle
Football Insider Verdict
With Perri, Bornauw, Bijol and Gudmundsson already through the doors at Elland Road, Leeds' defence could be unrecognisable to the one which conceded just 30 goals in the Championship last term.
Perri, Gudmundsson and Bijol are all expected to become regular starters in net, at left-back and centre-back respectively, but no potential transfer targets have been credibly linked to take Bogle's position.
The 25-year-old's defensive capabilities will be tested much more next season, but with Farke's full backing and new England manager Thomas Tuchel favouring the wing-back setup Bogle would excel in, a superb campaign is there for the taking.