Leeds United Strengthens Defense with Swedish Star Gabriel Gudmundsson
Leeds United secures Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille, enhancing their defense for the upcoming Premier League season.


Premier League newcomers Leeds United have made a significant addition to their squad by signing Gabriel Gudmundsson, the Swedish left-back from Lille. The 26-year-old has inked a four-year deal at Elland Road following a £10m transfer.
Gudmundsson, who has earned 15 international caps since his debut in 2022, brings a wealth of experience to Leeds. Last season, he made 45 appearances for Lille, helping them secure a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1. Despite narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot due to goal difference, Lille boasted the second-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 36 goals—just one more than champions Paris St-Germain.
Before joining Lille in 2021, Gudmundsson played for Halmstads and Groningen. During the 2024-25 season, he scored two league goals and maintained an impressive 82.1% pass-completion rate. His versatility allows him to play as a winger and in central defense, making him a valuable asset for Leeds.
Gudmundsson also featured in nine Champions League matches last season, contributing to Lille's journey to the last 16, where they were eventually ousted by Borussia Dortmund. He is the son of former Sweden international Niklas Gudmundsson, who had a stint in England with Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town.
This signing marks Leeds' fourth acquisition this summer, following the arrivals of defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol, as well as German forward Lukas Nmecha. Under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, Leeds United will kick off their Premier League campaign with a home match against Everton on 18 August.