One of the newer and brighter players in the Barcelona roster has refused to leave the club in spite of the board wishing to sell him.
Barcelona invested in Junior Firpo last summer as they signed him for a reported fee of 18 million euros. The former Real Betis fullback was touted to achieve great things at the Camp Nou but the past eight months have been anything but. Jordi Alba’s fitness issues have seen Firpo get his share of chances, but the Spaniard has wasted them to be frank.
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Junior Firpo has not shown a good and professional character while on the books of the Blaugrana. The youngster has encountered several off-field issues that have directly impacted his performance. Within one year of signing him with high expectations, Barca have decided that they will get rid of the player in the upcoming summer.
Don Balon has claimed that the Catalans’ left-back is reluctant in leaving however, despite falling out with the club’s biggest figure Lionel Messi. The Argentina international was anyway opposed to Barcelona signing Junior Firpo and his poor performances coupled with an inability to match Jordi Alba’s level has seen the 23 year old be the subject of slack.
Apart from Messi having problems with Firpo’s attitude, most of the senior figures from the first-team were never in favour of the board bringing the Spanish U21 international to the club. While the lack of conviction over his quality played a role in the players’ thoughts, his infamous tweets abusing Messi were a big force too.
Firpo believes that he still has a future at the Camp Nou and has not become fazed by the fact that Lionel Messi is not a fan of his gameplay and personality. The ex-Real Betis defender and his agent have made it clear to the Barca board that the player will not consider any offers to leave the club during this summer regardless of his treatment.
Irrespective of the fact that Junior Firpo may be firm on his stance and stay at the club, the club is looking at potential left backs to sign. Ajax Amsterdam full-back Nicolas Tagliafico and Benfica’s highly-regarded defender Alex Grimaldo are the two players that are on the La Liga leaders’ wish-list but they may find it difficult to sign any of them without Firpo being sold.
Do you think Barca should give more time to Junior Firpo to make a name at the club?