Statement released as Leeds United wave goodbye to two more 'champions' alongside Junior Firpo — YEP 1/7/25
By Kyle Newbould
Leeds United confirmed decisions on a trio of first-team
players on Tuesday.
Leeds United have thanked loan pair Joe Rothwell and Manor
Solomon for their Championship title-winning contributions as the pair
officially returned to their parent clubs on Tuesday.
Five Elland Road contracts officially expired as June turned
to July, with Josuha Guilavogui’s exit already confirmed. Leeds penned an
emotional goodbye to Real Betis-bound Junior Firpo on Tuesday, officially
confirming his departure after weeks of speculation, while uncertainty remains
over the future of Sam Byram, who has been offered fresh terms.
The YEP reported shortly before confirmation of Rothwell’s
return to Bournemouth that he is actually closing in on a permanent transfer,
with Rangers set to sign the midfielder on a two-year deal. And in a statement
posted on Leeds’ website, the 30-year-old was thanked for his massive efforts
during the title-winning season.
“Rothwell arrived on loan from AFC Bournemouth with vast
amounts of experience and made a lasting impression, featuring in 39 matches
across all competitions,” the statement said. “Following a flurry of substitute
appearances, Joe came to the fore after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia
Gruev, and he would form a formidable partnership with Ao Tanaka in the heart
of midfield from October onwards.
“The 30-year-old shone with his consistency, creativity and
work rate, putting in outstanding performances match after match. Those
displays memorably included assisting two late Pascal Struijk goals as Leeds
fought from a goal behind to beat Sunderland in the final moments, in a
memorable night under the lights in West Yorkshire.”
Fellow loanee Solomon had been heavily linked with a
permanent return to Elland Road earlier this summer but speculation over his
future has gone quiet, with new Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank keen to
assess his entire squad. Leeds are also thought to be prioritising other
positions and the addition of more physical signings.
The 25-year-old was one of only three Championship players
to register double figures for goals and assists in the Championship last
season, with the last of 22 total contributions securing a 2-1 win at Plymouth
Argyle and the title. Leeds also thanked the Spurs man before going on to wish
the best for both loanees.
“Solomon joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur and made his
debut for Daniel Farke’s side in a 2-0 victory over Hull City at Elland Road in
August,” the statement added. “Manor would go on to play a crucial role in the
run in especially, ending the season with 10 goals and 12 assists to his name
in the Sky Bet Championship.
“The 25-year-old will be forever etched into Whites’
folklore, having scored the dramatic winner in the dying seconds at Plymouth
Argyle to secure the league title for the Whites. Both Manor and Joe return to
their parent clubs as champions and we wish them all the best for the future,
safe in the knowledge that they will always be remembered fondly at Elland
Road.”
