⚪️ The End of an Era: Junior Firpo Departs Leeds United
As of June 30, 2025, Junior Firpo is officially no longer a Leeds United player. His contract, signed in 2021 after a move from FC Barcelona, has expired after four rollercoaster seasons in West Yorkshire. Firpo’s time at Leeds was, in many ways, emblematic of the club’s broader trajectory in that period: moments of attacking flair, defensive lapses, promise dampened by inconsistency, and periods of frustrating injury setbacks.
Despite never quite living up to the expectations set by his Barcelona pedigree, Firpo still played an important role during his time at the club — particularly during the final stretch of Leeds’ 2023/24 Championship season under Daniel Farke. However, with no extension agreed, and with the club appearing ready to move on, the search for his successor is now fully underway.
Firpo’s exit, combined with Sam Byram and Josuha Guilavogui also leaving the club, has left Leeds notably short in the full-back department. As of now, Leeds United don’t have a clear, natural first-choice left-back in the squad, and they’re also lacking depth on both sides of the back line.
🧩 Squad Needs: Leeds Must Rebuild Their Full-Back Core
Going into the 2025/26 season, Daniel Farke faces a significant rebuild of his defensive unit, especially in wide areas. The club not only needs to sign a starting left-back, but they also need a player who can potentially provide cover across both flanks, especially given Byram’s ability to deputize at either full-back position.
Key requirements for a left-back signing include:
Reliable fitness record (something Firpo struggled with)
Tactical flexibility to play in a back four or five
Ability to support build-up play from the back
Pace and stamina to operate in wide channels all game
Defensive solidity, especially on transitions
Championship readiness and/or Premier League potential
This isn’t a position Leeds can afford to get wrong — especially if promotion back to the top flight is the primary objective for the 2025/26 campaign.
🔎 The Left-Back Market: Who Are Leeds Looking At?
Leeds have been linked with several names across different leagues and profiles — from experienced Premier League players to younger international prospects and even free agents. Some targets have been pursued for weeks, while others appear to be emerging options based on changing market dynamics.
Let’s take a closer look at the most prominent candidates.
🇸🇪 Gabriel Gudmundsson (Lille) — The Front-Runner
Age: 25
Nationality: Swedish
Current Club: Lille OSC (France)
Contract Status: One year left (expires June 2026)
Estimated Transfer Fee: £6-10 million
Position: Left-back / Left wing-back
International Caps: 8 (Sweden)
Why He’s the Leading Candidate:
Gabriel Gudmundsson is currently the most realistic, attainable, and logical target for Leeds United. He has entered the final 12 months of his deal with Lille, a key factor that makes him a cost-effective option. Lille, known for selling efficiently rather than risking a free departure, are open to negotiation.
Notably, Gudmundsson has already expressed an openness to joining Leeds, which puts the Whites in a strong position compared to competitors. Player willingness can be decisive in a crowded market — especially for a Championship club looking to punch above its financial weight.
Strengths:
Excellent engine: Gudmundsson is known for his up-and-down runs on the left flank. He can sustain width and provide attacking support without neglecting his defensive duties.
Positional versatility: Though naturally a left-back, he has played as a wing-back and even occasionally as a left-sided centre-back in a back three.
Championship fit: Physically and tactically suited to English football — aggressive, quick in transitions, and mentally resilient.
International pedigree: Has played for Sweden and in European competitions with Lille.
Tactical Fit:
Daniel Farke’s tactical system relies heavily on full-backs that contribute to both defensive shape and attacking overloads. Gudmundsson’s profile matches that perfectly. He’s equally comfortable holding width or underlapping into central areas, and he can defend in 1v1 situations, something Firpo often struggled with.
❌ Reinildo Mandava (Atlético Madrid) — A Target Lost to Sunderland?
Age: 31
Nationality: Mozambique
Former Club: Atlético Madrid
Status: Free agent
Leeds Interest: Confirmed
Likely Destination: Sunderland
Reinildo was viewed as a short-term, experienced option to plug the left-back gap. Leeds made inquiries, but appear to have lost out to Sunderland, who reportedly moved decisively and are set to offer the 49-cap international a two-year deal.
Reinildo didn’t meet the appearance threshold to trigger a contract extension at Atlético Madrid and is now a free agent — making him a financially attractive target. However, Sunderland’s offer appears to have trumped Leeds’ interest in both speed and intent.
What Leeds Missed:
Reinildo would have brought valuable Champions League-level experience
Known for being defensively solid and capable of playing at both left-back and left-centre-back
At 31, would’ve been a short-term fix, but possibly a wise one for a promotion campaign
⚖️ Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur) — Still on the Table?
Age: 31
Nationality: Wales
Club: Tottenham
Contract: Recently extended
Status: Backup option at Spurs
Leeds Link: Persistent, but not advanced
Ben Davies has been linked to Leeds on multiple occasions, and while he recently signed a new contract with Tottenham, it’s clear he’s no longer a guaranteed starter under Ange Postecoglou.
Could a move happen?
Leeds may still be monitoring Davies’ situation, especially if Spurs are open to a loan deal or low-cost sale. His Premier League experience and leadership would be valuable in a younger squad.
However, high wages, age, and lack of resale value make this move less likely unless Davies actively pushes for the move.
🚨 Other Potential Names (Less Developed Links)
Konstantinos Tsimikas (Liverpool)
Price and wages would likely be too high
Still has years left on his deal
No firm link, but a player of his style (technical, high work rate) could be a model Leeds are scouting
Jaka Bijol (Udinese)
Slovenian international more commonly deployed as a centre-back
However, has been looked at for his ability to play on the left in a back three
Could be part of a wider defensive reinforcement strategy
📅 Timing Is Critical: Why This Week Could Define the Window
With player contracts officially expiring on June 30, the first 1–2 weeks of July are where:
Free agents begin signing quickly
Pre-season training begins (clubs want new players in early)
Markets shift based on player exits and Euro 2024/Afcon planning
For Leeds United, this week is decisive. Missing out on Mandava means they cannot delay much longer — especially if they want a new left-back integrated before the season begins. The longer they wait, the more competition they may face for Gudmundsson or other key targets.
🏁 Final Verdict: Who Will Replace Junior Firpo?
🔮 Most Likely Candidate: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Has the right age profile, experience, and player interest
Contract situation makes him available at a reasonable price
Leeds are seriously linked and expected to move soon
Offers more consistency and balance than Firpo
❌ Mandava: Gone to Sunderland
⚠️ Ben Davies: Possible, but not practical long-term
❓ Others: Watch for surprise names if top targets fall through