Leeds United have made encouraging progress in the transfer market this summer, but their focus is now shifting towards keeping hold of some of the key players already at the club.
The Whites have agreed personal terms with Harry Wilson and are expected to announce his arrival this week ahead of him making his debut against Wrexham in pre-season.
At the same time, though, a new concern has surfaced. Gabriel Gudmundsson has emerged as a target for Chelsea, sparking fears that Leeds could lose one of their standout performers from last season.
The Blues are believed to see the Sweden international as a long-term option to provide competition for, and eventually succeed, Marc Cucurella at left-back.
Leeds have no intention of selling Gudmundsson, but there is growing anxiety over his future as he prepares to return for pre-season amid increasing interest from Stamford Bridge.
Leeds United expect bids for Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson didn’t categorically rule out leaving Leeds when he responded to the rumours of Chelsea wanting to sign him this summer.
The Blues remain interested in him, but it appears they are also considering other full-back options ahead of making any concrete decisions.
However, that has not ended Leeds’ worries, as several other clubs are interested in signing the defender after he impressed at the World Cup with Sweden.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are expecting offers to land on their table for Gudmundsson in the ongoing summer transfer window.
An impressive World Cup has left the Whites with the real fear of losing the Swede amid interest from several clubs in and outside the Premier League.
Daniel Farke does not want to lose any more key players after selling Struijk, but Leeds are aware that they cannot stop clubs from making offers for the Swede.
Leeds signed Gudmundsson for a fee of £10m from Lille last summer, and he turned out to be one of the signings of the season at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke must convince him to stay
Leeds United deserve plenty of credit for identifying Gabriel Gudmundsson’s potential and bringing him to Elland Road for what is now looking like a bargain fee.
That is exactly why Chelsea’s interest is causing concern. Few clubs can match the financial pull of Stamford Bridge, and the prospect of a lucrative transfer alongside a significant increase in wages would be difficult for most players to ignore.
From Leeds’ perspective, keeping hold of Gudmundsson has to be a priority. Replacing a player of his quality without spending considerably more would be far from straightforward, making any potential exit a significant blow.
Daniel Farke’s task is now to convince the Sweden international that staying at Elland Road is the right move for his career. Playing regularly and continuing his development at Leeds could ultimately prove more beneficial than making an immediate switch to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, despite the obvious financial rewards on offer at Chelsea.
Should put a £50 mil price tag on him, they need to stop selling players cheaply, do what Southampton do, all their decent players are over priced, but clubs pay them.