Leeds United were sweating over the left back position last season, with Junior Firpo’s contract expiring. No one knew where the defender was going in the summer.
But with months left to end the season, Firpo made his intentions clear. Reports claim that Leeds did offer him a new contract, but he waited till his deal expired to join Real Betis in Spain. So in the summer, getting a new left back was a priority considering how light the positions has been in recent seasons.
The Whites were able to land Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille on a very affordable deal. The 26-year old was part of the transfer plan targeting players from Europe’s top five leagues.
Leeds United dealt major transfer blow
Gudmundsson arrived and has immediately adapted to the team. Since his first game, the Swedish international has been one of the club’s more consistent performers as the campaign has gone on. He is solid defensively, but does not match the attacking output Firpo had last year. Regardless of all that, he has been a huge contributor to the team this season.
The problem is, that he is the only natural option in the position. Daniel Farke has been using James Justin in different positions even as a centerback. Leeds United were linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund man Daniel Svensson.
But according to recent reports, any potential move could be off after Dortmund made a huge move. According to BILD, the German club have planned to ‘significantly increase’ his salary to match his performances in the first team. This could be a huge blow to any plans Leeds have this summer, as a wage bump could ensure his stay at the club.
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Gabriel Gudmundsson still needs a backup
If Daniel Svensson does remain in Germany, it means that Leeds will not get another left back. The position needs more depth outside James Justin, who is originally a right back. The Whites need to get more depth at left back in the near future. Gabriel Gudmundsson has been a solid performer this campaign, and whenever he has been out, the team has lacked his quality. The 49ers need to get to work and try to recruit a player who can compete with him, or be his backup when required – similar to how James Justin and Jayden Bogle work on the right flank.
