Leeds United’s plans to improve at left-back include Lille man Gabriel Gudmundsson high on the list, but they could be joined by other clubs in the Premier League in their interest.
Junior Firpo’s pending move to Real Betis is expected to go through when his contract expires in just over a week’s time, and it leaves Leeds with a big priority to tick off.
Signing top flight quality is a must for Leeds, knowing that they can’t go into a Premier League survival bid without a reliable back four to build from under Daniel Farke.
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Leeds United could face Burnley, Everton competition for Gabriel Gudmundsson
High on the list of targets for Leeds’ plans to strengthen the left side of their defence is Lille and Sweden left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson.
The 26-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract and could be available on a relatively decent deal for Leeds, having impressed for the Ligue 1 club both in the league and Champions League.
(REUTERS/Juan Medina)
Leeds may face competition for the Swede’s signature, though, as LeedsLive claim that both their newly-promoted counterparts Burnley, and opening day opposition Everton are also keen.
Gudmundsson has stated that an exit from Lille could materialise this summer, but also previously mentioned in an interview that it would be a dream of his to move to the Premier League:
“I’m happy with my career so far, but I’m also very determined about what’s coming. I grew up watching the Premier League, so it is a dream to go there one day. It’s a league I have always liked following,” Gudmundsson told GiveMeSport in November 2024.
Should Leeds fail to sign Gudmundsson, the report also notes the club’s admiration for Wolves’ Hugo Bueno, who spent 24/25 on loan at Feyenoord after previous links to Elland Road.
Leeds United can guarantee starts for Gabriel Gudmundsson over Burnley and Everton
Leeds should have an advantage over most other clubs in the running for Gudmundsson on the basis that he will come in as a starter.
Everton have options at left-back and so do Burnley, but Leeds are coming into these discussions without a guaranteed starter, which Gudmundsson would be.
Losing out wouldn’t be the end of the world, with Bueno another viable option, but Leeds will know they need to get a deal wrapped up ideally before pre-season.
That pressure to address a crucial area of Leeds’ squad might kick the 49ers into gear to beat Everton or Burnley to this deal.