Leeds United offered the chance to sign ‘aggressive’ Chelsea star on loan after Djordje Petrovic blow
Leeds United Continue Left-Back Hunt as Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell Emerges as a Loan Option
Leeds United are still in the market for a new left-back following the confirmed departure of Junior Firpo, whose contract expired this summer. Despite an offer from the club to extend his stay, Firpo has opted to move on after four seasons at Elland Road. The proposed deal from Leeds was significantly below the terms of his initial contract, signed when he joined from Barcelona in 2021 for £13 million.
In his farewell message to supporters, Firpo made it clear that there was no realistic scenario in which he would remain at Leeds, despite having made a last-ditch plea for a new contract to club chairman Paraag Marathe during the club’s promotion celebration, as seen in a video shared on Jayden Bogle’s Instagram.
With Firpo now gone and Sam Byram’s future still uncertain, the Whites are actively searching for reinforcements in the left-back position. The most prominent name linked so far is Swedish international Gabriel Gudmundsson, currently plying his trade at Lille. However, a surprising new option has emerged, with reports indicating that Chelsea have offered Leeds the opportunity to take England left-back Ben Chilwell on loan for the 2025/26 season.
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Leeds are one of several clubs approached by Chilwell’s representatives as they seek a new home for the defender. While his wages—reportedly around £225,000 per week—are a major stumbling block, Chelsea are open to a deal that could see them cover a portion of his salary, making a loan move feasible.
“His people have offered him to a number of clubs – Leeds are one of them,” Bailey said. “His wages are an issue but Chelsea are willing to do a deal. A loan deal is an option, possibly with an option [to buy], but not essential.”
Chilwell, once considered among the best left-backs in the Premier League, has seen his career stall in recent years due to persistent injuries and a drop in form. Most recently, he spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, helping them to a strong finish that included an FA Cup triumph. However, Palace opted not to make the deal permanent, leaving the 27-year-old’s future up in the air.
This isn’t the first time Leeds have shown interest in a Chelsea player this window, having also targeted goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. However, it now appears Sunderland may beat Leeds to his signature.
Gudmundsson vs. Chilwell – A Statistical Comparison
The potential left-back candidates offer contrasting profiles. Gudmundsson, 26, fits the mold of a long-term investment. He has earned caps for Sweden and built a strong reputation with stints at Halmstads, Groningen, and Lille. His height and defensive solidity make him a reliable presence at the back, and his career trajectory is on an upward curve.
Chilwell, on the other hand, brings top-flight experience in abundance, with over 100 appearances for both Leicester City and Chelsea. At his peak, he was a regular in the England setup and a key figure in Chelsea’s Champions League-winning side. However, frequent injury setbacks have raised questions about his long-term reliability.
Here’s a breakdown of their career statistics to date:
Gabriel Gudmundsson:
Clubs: Halmstads, Groningen, Lille
Games: 262
Minutes: 15,003
Wins: 113
Clean Sheets: 74
Goals: 22
Assists: 14
Ben Chilwell:
Clubs: Leicester, Huddersfield (loan), Chelsea, Crystal Palace (loan)
Games: 249
Minutes: 18,740
Wins: 117
Clean Sheets: 83
Goals: 14
Assists: 25
Chilwell holds the edge in Premier League and international experience and would likely adapt more quickly to the demands of top-flight football in England. However, Gudmundsson’s consistent availability and current form may make him a safer, long-term option for Leeds, especially if they want to avoid the injury concerns that have dogged Chilwell’s recent seasons.
Financial Considerations
There is also a significant difference in the financial implications of signing either player. Gudmundsson would command a relatively modest transfer fee, likely below market value, as his contract with Lille expires in 2026. Chilwell, meanwhile, would only be available on loan, and even with Chelsea subsidizing his wages, the deal would represent a considerable outlay for Leeds—especially if they pursue multiple targets this summer.
As the search intensifies, Leeds face a crucial decision: opt for the proven but injury-prone Premier League star, or invest in a rising talent with fewer question marks. Either way, securing a reliable left-back is one of the club’s top priorities heading into their return to the Premier League.