Leeds United identify Junior Firpo replacement - player "very likely to leave" current club | OneFootball

With Junior Firpo likely to leave Leeds this summer, they’ve scouted a new left-back target

Leeds United have identified Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson as a player who could fill an issue in their squad.

The interest was reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, who claim that the Whites are “very keen” on the Sweden international.

The newly promoted side are in need of a left-back, following news that Junior Firpo is unlikely to extend his time at Elland Road.

Leeds have plenty of additions to make to prepare for the Premier League season ahead, but Gudmundsson could solve one of the most pressing.

Leeds keen on Gabriel Gudmundsson

The Yorkshire Evening Post’s report states that Leeds are extremely keen to get Gudmundsson in this summer.

The outlet confirms that the Whites expect Firpo to leave and sign with Real Betis, while they have not yet made any progress with Sam Byram, despite the decision being put in the player’s hands.

With the future of both men up in the air, it means that Leeds currently face entering the new campaign without a recognised left-back.

It’s therefore of little surprise that Daniel Farke’s side are keen to rectify this issue. Gudmundsson looks ready to be the man to solve their problem.

Gudmundsson has been clear on his future

The 26-year-old has not been coy about his own future plans, making clear that he is ready for a new challenge.

“I’m very likely to leave,” the YEP report him saying. “It will be a very interesting summer.”

The Swedish defender still has a year left to run on his current deal with the French side, so a fee will be required if Leeds want him, but his public display of discontent at his current club should shift those negotiations in the favour of the English side.

However, having alerted the world to his availability, Leeds may need to move quick before another club steps in.

Farke would be in dreamland with Gudmundsson

Gudmundsson is known as a left-back, filling the basic and most pressing squad issue have, but he is also extremely adaptable.

He has played all along the left flank through his career, including left-wing, and so is noted for both his attacking and defensive capabilities.

That’s important when replacing a player like Firpo, who registered 10 assists in the Championship last season.

But, unlikely many modern attacking full-backs, Gudmundsson is also a trusted presence in the backline, occasionally playing as a centre-back in a back three for Sweden.

Both his international career and the fact he has played in Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season also means he’s accustomed to facing elite level talent, something much of this existing Leeds squad may need to adjust to quickly in the Premier League.

While the Swede’s primary role will be filling the gap potentially about to be left by Firpo and Byram, Farke will not be blind to benefits of having such an adaptable and experienced player in his ranks.

Gudmundsson could offer so much to Leeds, while solving a key squad problem, so Leeds’ interest in him makes a lot of sense.