Leeds United need at least one left-footed full-back this summer after Junior Firpo’s departure from the club on a free transfer.
Real Betis seem like Firpo’s next move after leaving Leeds United, but he was the only specialist left-back at the club last season and a replacement is needed.
Leeds must now find a Firpo alternative. One option could be a player with Champions League and Ligue 1 experience as well, as reports emerged that Leeds want Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson .
We suggest Leeds consider Gudmundsson along with a number of other left-back options. However, the Sweden international is one of the most viable given that he has just entered the final year of his contract.
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s move to Leeds United is accelerating
These reports in France come in the wake of recent comments from the player himself. Speaking to Swedish media, Gudmundsson gave his verdict on a move to Leeds this summer last week.
They aren’t the only Premier League side in the mix, however, with Everton and Burnley rivalling Leeds United for Gudmundsson this summer.
Gudmundsson could cost Leeds just £8 million. It could be a bargain given how he has aged, with the Leeds target Gudmundsson’s profile developing every year with higher quality performances.
In that time, he has become a better, more rounded, and versatile defender. Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post has provided the following update on the situation regarding Leeds and Gudmundsson.
He said: “Meanwhile Leeds retain a strong interest in left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson of Lille and while the YEP understands things have progressed slightly there is nothing imminent with regards to a deal.”
Since that update this morning, Leeds United News sources have been issued an update. We are led to believe that the 26-year-old has been on holiday of late following June’s internationals against Hungary and Algeria.
But that is coming to an end and things are now accelerating as he and his entourage are set to fly to Leeds for further talks regarding a deal, with things now progressing ahead of Leeds’ pre-season plans beginning next week.
Leeds want more of the squad together for when that starts, with a busy week now expected. Regarding Gudmundsson, it feels like a game of when not if for Leeds at this stage, although there is still a way to go before a deal is finalised.
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Gabriel Gudmundsson’s verdict on moving to Leeds
Gudmundsson is one of six players on Leeds’ radar, or at least one of the players they appear to be the most serious about currently.
Of course, it’s not a done deal yet but the noises are positive and Gudmundsson has explained what he wants from Leeds or whoever his next club is, too.
Speaking last week, he said: “There are boxes to check off,” he began. “First and foremost, you should enjoy yourself, and then I think you play your best football.
“You want to feel prioritised by a club. You also want to feel that there is a lot of competition in the league and that the club has a goal and clarity in what they want.
“That is very important, then the financial stuff comes a bit in second place. It is a lot of fun going forward regardless of what happens, so I am very excited about it.”
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