A month into the summer transfer window, and Leeds United have stepped up their business. Three signings have been brought into Elland Road, but the departures remain minimal.
The start of the transfer window suggested that the team wanted to make wholesale changes. Multiple reports indicated that there were many players being put up for sale. Illan Meslier, Sam Greenwood, Darko Gyabi and Joe Gelhardt were the key names mentioned. So far, they are all still at the club.
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Former Leeds United star signs new deal
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This week saw the first transfer exit this summer. Max Wober completed a move to Werder Bremen. It was initially reported as a permanent deal, but then the terms changed, becoming a loan with option to buy.
Others who left this club at the start of the month include Manor Solomon, Joe Rothwell, Sam Byram and Junior Firpo. Solomon and Rothwell returned to their clubs, and Byram and Firpo left as free agents. Leeds held talks with the duo, but it seems they failed to secure new deals.
Junior Firpo is a free agent, and according to Mundo Deportivo, he has signed for a new club. The 28-year old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal to join Real Betis. Firpo teased a return to Spain when asked about his future earlier this year.
Can Gabriel Gudmundsson be a good replacement?
Multiple reports indicate the Lille left back Gabriel Gudmundsson is high on Leeds’ transfer list. The club have been monitoring him for a while and he could join this summer. But the question remains if he can be a good replacement for Firpo.
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Statistically, the two could not be any different. Firpo has more key passes, more passes into the final third and more assists. Gudmundsson is more of a defensive fullback who can occasionally go on the overlap. Maybe Daniel Farke has a new role in mind for him, but for now, he does not fit Firpo’s place in the team.
