Premier League player is still on Leeds United’s radar, could be back-up to Gabriel Gudmundsson

Leeds United’s Summer Transfer Plan Highlights Backup Strategy, Eyes on Double Left-Back Deal

Leeds United have already made it clear this summer that they are willing to spend money not just on starters, but also on strengthening the squad’s depth. Of the three signings completed so far, only one is expected to be a first-team regular, while the other two are viewed as reinforcements for the bench.

So far, the club has invested around £20 million in new arrivals. Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol has been the marquee addition, arriving from Udinese for a fee of £15 million and putting pen to paper on a five-year contract. Sebastiaan Bornauw, the Belgian defender, has joined the Whites in a deal worth approximately £5 million, and German striker Lukas Nmecha was brought in on a free transfer. However, it’s understood that both Nmecha and Bornauw are seen as rotational options rather than guaranteed starters, underlining the club’s intent to improve squad depth across the board.

Leeds’ football operations chief, Adam Underwood, knows full well that the work is far from complete. With promotion secured and a return to the Premier League on the horizon, the club is acutely aware of the enormous challenge that awaits. More reinforcements will be needed if Daniel Farke’s side are to stand a realistic chance of surviving in the top flight come the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Leeds’ Summer Wishlist: A Dozen Names to Come?

The current recruitment strategy suggests Leeds are still targeting at least six more new faces. Positions identified as priorities include a new first-choice goalkeeper, a reliable left-back, an experienced central midfielder, a creative No.10, a left-winger, and most crucially, a proven Premier League striker. While Bijol is expected to form the club’s central defensive pairing alongside Joe Rodon, the likes of Bornauw and Nmecha will provide necessary cover throughout a long and gruelling campaign.

Leeds Pushing for Double Left-Back Signing

The left side of defence is one area where Leeds are actively pursuing upgrades. With Junior Firpo officially leaving the club on a free transfer and Sam Byram also out of contract, Leeds could end up losing both of last season’s left-back options in a single window. Byram is now officially a free agent, and no signs of a renewal have emerged, suggesting his time at Elland Road may be over.

In response, Leeds have turned their attention to Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson. The Lille defender is seen as the ideal candidate to fill the gap left by Firpo, and according to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, negotiations between the two clubs are progressing in a positive direction.

But Gudmundsson may not be the only left-back arriving this summer. Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno has also emerged as a target, with reports from TeamTalk’s Darren Witcoop suggesting Leeds are leading the chase to secure the experienced Spaniard’s signature. Moreno, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, is reportedly available for just £5 million — a fee Villa are prepared to accept.

Bringing in both Gudmundsson and Moreno would give Daniel Farke quality and depth at left-back, providing options to rotate or adapt based on injuries, form, or tactical needs.

Unai Emery’s Admission Hints at Moreno’s Exit

Moreno’s future at Aston Villa looks increasingly uncertain. The 32-year-old was loaned out to Nottingham Forest last season after Villa brought in Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, creating an overload in the left-back position. Alongside Maatsen and French international Lucas Digne, Moreno was surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

Villa manager Unai Emery previously acknowledged the dilemma of having too many players in the same position. When explaining Moreno’s departure last season, Emery said:

> “We were speaking with different players in this position. The difficulty is to manage with three left-backs. Moreno is the player who is now close to leaving.”

With that situation unchanged and Villa still juggling Maatsen and Digne, the writing appears to be on the wall for Moreno. A permanent exit looks likely this summer, and Leeds could be the beneficiaries — especially if Moreno is open to playing a supporting role behind Gudmundsson, while still featuring regularly in a squad likely to be stretched over the course of a Premier League season.

Conclusion: Building for Survival, Not Just Promotion

Leeds United’s recruitment strategy this summer reveals a long-term vision rooted in pragmatism. They’re not just signing players to start immediately, but building a squad capable of competing over the full length of a Premier League campaign. With more incomings expected and competition being built in every position, Daniel Farke is being equipped with the tools he needs to keep Leeds in the top flight. Whether the plan pays off remains to be seen, but the groundwork is clearly being laid with intention and purpose.