Daniel Farke in a circular insert, Gabriel Gudmundsson in action for Leeds United.
Credit: Imago
Niall Togher
Thu 4 September 2025 13:22, UK
Leeds United’s lack of business towards the backend of the transfer window was criticised and rightly so.
However, with tensions running high between the Leeds fanbase and Paraag Marathe, it’s easy to forget some of the good that the 49ers have done over the course of the summer transfer window.
Lucas Perri, Anton Stach and Jaka Bijol all had big reputations before their Leeds moves and will be big players for Daniel Farke in his attempt to keep United in the Premier League.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is another signing that fits under this umbrella, with the left-back impressing so far, and understandably, the Elland Road faithful will be keen to hear the fitness update regarding the 26-year-old after he picked up a knock against Newcastle.
Anton Stach at Leeds United looking serious
Credit: Imago
Sweden boss provides Gabriel Gudmundsson injury update
Gudmundsson signed from Lille earlier in the summer for over £10million and even featured for the French outfit in the Champions League last season.
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Despite his knock, the defender has jetted off with his national side to take part in their two World Cup qualifying fixtures against Slovenia on 5 September and Kosovo on 8 September.
Sweden national team manager Jon Dahl Tomasson said: “[Gudmundsson] says he’s flying, so I hope he is,” when speaking to Aftonbladet on 3 September.
Tomasson went on to add that the defender, who has started all three Leeds league games this season, is “okay”.
With the worries regarding Gudmundsson’s availability put to bed for now, it looks as though James Justin will still have to wait to start his first Premier League game for United for now.
Gabriel Gudmundsson in Sweden attire
Credit: Imago
James Justin and Gabriel Gudmundsson are polar opposites
With Leeds reportedly maxing out their PSR, spending £8million on Justin, potentially rising to £10m, raised some eyebrows, especially with the former Leicester City man being brought in as backup full-back.
Whilst the cover he will provide on both sides is a useful asset for the Whites’ Premier League campaign, the data suggests he is a completely different profile of player to Gudmundsson.
Whilst this undoubtedly has its advantages and adds to the squad’s versatility, the drawback is that if Gudmundsson gets injured and is performing well, Justin will be unlikely to replicate the Sweden international’s traits that brought the success to the side.
Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin 2024/25 data compared.
Credit: DataMB
Despite Justin being perceived to be merely a backup option, Farke could opt to use the England international in tough away games where Leeds are especially under pressure due to his superior ability to win the ball back and win his defensive duels.
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