Leeds United could finally be set to ditch Junior Firpo, with a January swoop for a European talent…

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, the Whites are plotting to sign PSV Eindhoven star Philipp Max.

The 29-year-old has been on the radar of the Yorkshire club, who view left back as an area of supreme importance for the upcoming transfer window.

Max is among the targets due to his pedigree and ease of availability given the financial troubles his club find itself in.

Another report from the summer valued him at just €8m (£6.7m), which could have depreciated given he now only has a season and a half remaining on his £19k-per-week deal.

Ditch Firpo

It seems like ever since his summer move in 2021 it has been apparent that Firpo was not up to scratch in the Premier League.

The £55k-per-week defender has often lacked defensive awareness but has not boasted the required offensive upside to make him an asset to Jesse Marsch. In his 30 games for Leeds he is yet to score and has only assisted twice.

This is depressingly outlined in his average Sofascore rating of 6.30 this campaign, which has led to central defender Pascal Struijk deputising out of position in his place.

Dubbed a “defensive liability” by Juan Arango even before his move to Elland Road, it was clear the warning signs were there.

However, Max could instantly solve this issue for a cut price, as the three-cap Germany international boasts vast experience at the top level.

Having spent the early stages of his career in the Bayern Munich academy, he has gone on to play 156 times for FC Augsburg, where he recorded 44 goal contributions and 114 times for PSV, where he also contributed to 28 goals.

A consistent offensive presence wherever he has played, this season he has combined that with some added solidity that they have been lacking under Marsch.

He averages 1.4 tackles per game, which is more than enough for someone whose game focuses on pushing forward.

The continued absence of the 5 foot 10 star from the national team has drawn criticism too, with Joachim Low often forced to answer questions on his decision to omit him.

Back in 2020, it led him to praise the left-back: “He is very efficient and effective on the offence. He sets up a lot of goals and that's what you expect from a good fullback these days."

The perfect modern fullback, Leeds would be gaining a proficient operator for next-to-nothing who can finally offer a solution to their biggest long-standing issue.