After an impressive first season back in the Premier League, it was only natural that speculation would surround some Leeds United players’ futures.
That is why we needed to secure the future of our most important player, Ethan Ampadu. The midfielder signed a new contract at Elland Road in what was one of the most important pieces of business we needed to address.
Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are amongst the players we are expecting to wave goodbye to this summer. And in all honesty, this is for the best, considering their lack of gametime last season.
However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Chelsea are interested in a player who was one of the first names on Daniel Farke’s teamsheet when fit last season.
Chelsea reportedly eyeing a move for Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gabriel Gudmundsson, 27, arrived from Lille last summer as United’s new first-choice left-back.
Controversially, the 49ers opted against renewing Junior Firpo’s contract, allowing him to leave for free. This was after he enjoyed a couple of exceptional seasons in the Championship with us.
But when Gudmundsson arrived, the 49ers’ decision was soon justified. It became clear that the Swedish international was a quality addition and a significant upgrade on Firpo.
Gudmundsson’s energy up and down that left flank was pivotal to our success last season. Especially with Farke’s switch to a three at the back, highlighting Gudmundsson’s strengths even further.
However, with Marc Cucurella leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid, the West London outfit are in the market for a replacement.
Unfortunately for us, Gudmundsson appears to be on Chelsea’s radar, according to a report from journalist Anel Avdic in SportExpressen.
Gudmundsson is said to be one of several players being considered when it comes to replacing Cucurella.
Leeds United cannot afford to sell Gabriel Gudmundsson
As a club, we need to be realistic. Until we get back to competing in Europe, we may be forced to sell a key player here and there.
However, Gudmundsson would be one of the players we must attempt to keep for now at all costs.
On top of the fact that his debut campaign in England was impressive, we are incredibly short of options in that area.
James Justin was incredible when he had to fill in on the left at times last season, but Justin cannot be expected to cover both sides of the defence on his own for another campaign.
If we sold Gudmundsson, we would ideally need to sign two left-backs who are also capable of playing as wing-backs this summer.
A silver lining would be that if Chelsea did step up their pursuit of Gudmundsson, we would be in line to make a handsome profit.
After arriving for around £10million last summer, you would imagine Leeds could triple their money on the defender, at least.
But in an ideal world, Gudmundsson would stay.
If he does want to join Chelsea, the 49ers should not be afraid to be stubborn in any transfer talks.
With three years left on Gudmundsson’s deal, Leeds are firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to any potential negotiations.
However, Leeds must try to stand their ground, even if Chelsea does put a bid in.
Hopefully, this will make the Blues turn their attention to other targets instead of Gudmundsson.
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