Leeds United have already seen one important member of their defence leave this summer, and fresh uncertainty is now growing over the future of another key player at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke gave the green light to Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton after it became clear the defender would not sign a new contract, leaving Leeds with little choice but to cash in.
The Whites would have liked to secure a higher fee than the initial £15m they received, but completing the deal before the end of June was crucial to protecting the club’s PSR position.
Now Leeds are bracing themselves for interest in Gabriel Gudmundsson. The left-back is expected to attract offers this summer, but the club have already taken a firm stance on his future, with Farke fully behind the decision.
Daniel Farke and Leeds set to block any exit for Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gabriel Gudmundsson impressed at the World Cup despite Sweden’s last-32 exit, and several clubs are interested in getting their hands on the player.
Chelsea have shown interest in signing the Leeds left-back this summer. However, they appear to be holding talks to sign another one of their left-back targets.
Leeds are expecting offers for Gudmundsson, but according to Football Insider, the club have taken a firm stance on the defender’s future at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke and the club are prepared to rebuff any offers for Gudmundsson and will block his Elland Road exit this summer.
Leeds have already lost one experienced defender this summer, and do not want more disruption to their backline ahead of next season.
It would take a huge offer even to bring Leeds to the negotiating table to discuss Gudmundsson’s future this summer.
Leeds are likely to hold on to him
Gabriel Gudmundsson enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign despite Sweden’s exit to France in the Round of 32, with his performances attracting plenty of attention.
Several clubs are keeping tabs on the left-back, but Chelsea’s interest has been the biggest cause for concern at Elland Road given the London club’s financial muscle and pulling power.
If Chelsea have turned their attention elsewhere, Leeds would fancy their chances of convincing Gudmundsson to remain at Elland Road rather than seek a move this summer.
The Sweden international proved to be one of Leeds’ standout signings last season, and Daniel Farke will be desperate to keep hold of him after just a year at the club.
With Chelsea now pushing to sign Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria instead, Leeds’ hopes of retaining Gudmundsson have received a significant boost.
