Leeds United boss Daniel Farke made one crucial deal in last year’s summer transfer window. Most will argue that it was the signing of the season.
After years of not having a long-term right back at the club, Daniel Farke pushed to sign Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United. It was a tough deal, but a necessary one. And it paid off big time; Bogle had six goals and four assists in the league. The right back was a big part of Daniel Farke’s system, participating in the build up and ending in the box for the final decisive action.
Junior Firpo was almost a perfect mirror of that wing play down the left.
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Leeds United target addresses transfer links
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But now, Leeds are set to go into the Premier League without one of the stars that made their system tick. Firpo is days away from his current contract expiring, and all signs are pointing to him making a move to Spain. Real Betis reportedly have an offer for him on the table.
This means that Leeds will need to find a new left back this summer. Lille defender Gabriel Gudmundsson has been named as an option. The Swedish international was reportedly seen at Elland Road recently.
Gudmundsson spoke to Swedish media outlet Hallandsposten, to address these links.
“I can’t say more than that it’s a good team that plays in the Premier League,” he stated.
“A League and a country where I also have an ambition to one day play, given that I grew up watching that league. It’s a league that I appreciate very much.
He also rubbished the claims of an Elland Road visit.
“I can tell you that much that is not true. I am on vacation and have my two weeks following the national team here at home,”
“I was very clear with both Lille and my agent that I focus on the national team and then I have a vacation.
Gudmundsson offers something different from Firpo
Firpo was a menace on the overlap with his ability to pick the right pass or cross. But Gudmundsson offers something different entirely.
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Though his crossing and chance creation may not be phenomenal, he is an incredible ball carrier. The left back reliably gets his team out of situations by just driving the ball at the opponent. If he can polish his crossing, and develop a nose for goal, he could be Leeds’ ideal left back.
