Junior Firpo
(Credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Tue 1 July 2025 10:17, UK
Leeds United are looking to complete a deal for Gabriel Gudmundsson at Lille.
The Whites are in need of reinforcements in their backline as they look ahead to what is likely to be a difficult year in the Premier League.
This has already begun with the signing of Jaka Bijol from Udinese, with a new defender in the shape of the Sweden international potentially set to join him in LS11.
A move for the 26-year-old could be pushed towards the top of the priority list at Elland Road after the latest on Junior Firpo’s seemingly impending exit.
Leeds United, Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo has seen out his contract at Leeds United (Credit: Imago)
Leeds progress deal to land Gudmundsson
It did come as a surprise to many when the ex-Barcelona man was willing to stick by the Whites in the Championship after relegation in 2023.
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The Dominican Republic international was able to showcase his best in the second tier, catching the eye throughout the last two seasons.
This saw the 28-year-old play a key role in earning promotion as he contributed to 14 Championship goals from left-back.
As a result, it was a blow to learn that Firpo wanted to leave Leeds when his contract came to an end, with talks over a move to Real Betis ongoing [ABC, 12 June].
With that in mind, the Whites are now continuing to target new options, with Lille defender Gudmundsson emerging as a target.
Now Graham Smyth has reported via the Yorkshire Evening Post (1 July) that the Yorkshire club still have a strong interest in the left-back as a deal continues to progress.
Although a move to Elland Road isn’t imminent as things stand, there is every chance that this could change in the coming weeks of the window.
Leeds United could replace Junior Firpo with Gabriel Gudmundsson (Credit: Imago)
Gudmundsson to represent useful signing for Leeds United
It will be near enough impossible to replace the output of Firpo, especially with the experience that he also provides.
As a result, it could make sense for Daniel Farke to go in a completely different direction with a potential replacement this summer.
This could see a move for Gudmundsson benefit the Whites, given how defensively sound he can prove to be as a left-back or centre half.
Stat (Ligue 1 24/25) Gabriel Gudmundsson
Appearances 30
Tackles won 25
Duels won 110
Passes completed 724
Gabriel Gudmundsson Lille stats 24/25
It will be interesting to see how this deal could change Leeds’ tactical approach, if a move is to be agreed with Lille.
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