Leeds United have announced the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille on a four-year contract for a fee of £10m, and he has been speaking to LUTV for the first time.
Gudmundsson, 26, arrives as the club’s fourth summer signing. Another player that fits the criteria that Adam Underwood is looking for. Contract ending soon, aged 26, and experienced but before their peak.
Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw ticked the boxes, with the trio all 6ft 1in or more. Left-back Gudmundsson was in the final year of his deal, also 26, but is a mere 5ft 11in. Still tall for a full-back.
It sees the first announcement of a flurry of activity expected at Elland Road this week. Gudmundsson’s confirmation was followed by the announcement that Sam Byram had signed a new one-year Leeds deal.
Gudmundsson shares moment he knew he had to sign for Leeds
It is not as if Leeds had a free, clear run at Gudmundsson. Other clubs have been linked with the reliable ace this summer, like Premier League clubs Everton and Burnley and Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
But Leeds got their man and speaking to LUTV in his first interview, Gudmundsson tells Bryn Law that a moment while on holiday in Crete with his partner made him decide that he simply had to join Leeds.
“When I heard of Leeds’ interest, I was on holiday in Crete relaxing after the season. I saw some people wearing the Leeds shirt so it felt like a good sign,” Gudmundsson said, after Leeds confirmed his arrival.
What is next after Gabriel Gudmundsson’s Leeds arrival…
The need for a left-back is sorted and Leeds’ priorities are now as follows. A new goalkeeper, possible cover at left-back, a midfielder or two, a no.10, a replacement for Manor Solomon and a striker.
Leeds are set to sign Sean Longstaff from Newcastle for £12m, with a third bid now accepted by The Toon this morning. Longstaff has agreed personal terms, but he might not be the only midfielder set to join.
Elsewhere, Leeds remain in the hunt for £19m giant Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, while talks are ongoing for Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach. In terms of another full-back, a no.10 and a striker, things remain unclear.
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