Leeds United have bolstered their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League with the signing of Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille. The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract in a deal worth £10 million, becoming the club’s fourth major signing of the summer.
Gudmundsson arrives at Elland Road after a strong 2024–25 campaign in Ligue 1, where he featured 45 times for a Lille side that narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification. Lille finished fifth, falling just short of Nice on goal difference, but their defensive solidity stood out. They conceded only 36 goals all season — the second-best defensive record in the league, bettered only by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Known for his pace, positional versatility, and work rate, Gudmundsson is not only a dependable left-back but can also operate as a winger or central defender. Last season, he contributed two league goals and boasted a pass-completion rate of 82.1%, underlining his technical proficiency and composure in possession.
His performances weren’t limited to domestic football. Gudmundsson also featured in nine Champions League matches last season as Lille advanced to the last 16 after finishing seventh in the new league-phase format. Their European run came to an end against Borussia Dortmund, but Gudmundsson’s performances on the continental stage further highlighted his quality.
Since making his debut for Sweden in 2022, Gudmundsson has earned 15 international caps. His football pedigree runs deep — his father, Niklas Gudmundsson, was also a Sweden international and had spells in English football with Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town during the 1990s.
Before his time in France, Gudmundsson began his career at Halmstads BK in Sweden and later moved to Dutch club FC Groningen, where he caught the attention of Lille. His consistent development across different leagues has shaped him into a well-rounded player ready to make an impact in English football.
At Leeds, Gudmundsson joins a growing list of new recruits as the club strengthens its squad under manager Daniel Farke. Defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol have already arrived to shore up the back line, while German forward Lukas Nmecha adds firepower up front. The club’s strategy has clearly been to blend experience with versatility, and Gudmundsson fits that profile perfectly.
With the new Premier League season fast approaching, Leeds are working to ensure their return to the top flight is a successful one. They open their campaign at home against Everton on 18 August, and Gudmundsson is expected to play a key role both defensively and in contributing to the team’s transition play on the left flank.
As Leeds prepare for the challenges ahead, Gudmundsson’s experience in top European leagues, combined with his adaptability and international pedigree, adds another valuable dimension to their evolving squad.
