Leeds United

Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

With Max Wober out the door on loan to Werder Bremen, a new left-back is expected to join Leeds this summer - and all of the links are pointing to Lille's Gabriel Gudmundsson.

His likely arrival for an expected fee of £10m was discussed on the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast and BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope has detailed the kind of player United fans are waiting for.

"It's hard to describe him as a pure left-back," said Pope. "The more you look into it, he's more of a Firpo-ish [player] - gets down that left side and plays left-back as well, but can play in midfield and can play right-sided centre-back for Sweden.

"His dad [Niklas] played a bit for Blackburn and Ipswich, so he's got footballing pedigree. This is a guy who looks quite aggressive and a good ball-carrier who takes a few risks, and is quick and athletic.

"He's not a pure defensive left-back, although he might have to play that position. That shows versatility."

The 25-year-old finished fifth with Lille in Ligue 1 last season, just missing out on the chance for Champions League football to Nice, who had a superior goal difference. They had the second best defensive record with 36 conceded, bettered by only champions Paris St-Germain's 35.

Gudmundsson netted two league goals in 2024-25. He had an 82.1% pass-completion rate and won the third-most tackles for Lille at a 69% success rate.

The Sweden international lost eight of his 20 contested aerial duels and made three errors leading to shots across his 30 appearances.

However, during his previous spell at Groningen, he made the top 10 charts across the Eredivisie in 2020-21 in aerial duels won, progressive carries, crosses into the penalty area and successful take-ons.

Listen to the full episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds have submitted their formal planning application for the redevelopment of Elland Road into a 53,000-capacity stadium to the city council.

The hybrid application is full and detailed for the West Stand and an outline for the North Stand.

The former is expected to open in 2028, with a rise from 8,000 to 17,750 seats, and the latter by nearly 5,000 to 15,300 in 2030.

The application follows public consultations where supporters and the local community were invited to share their feedback, and the club said 97% of respondents supported the design proposals.

Leeds chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg said: "This is a result of the hard work of everyone involved over the past 18 months, where designs and concepts have been developed to revitalise Elland Road Stadium, while preserving the unique history and heritage it holds.

"I would like to thank everyone who took the time to go to the public exhibition at the Centenary Pavilion and the consultation sessions in the local community, with over 1,800 people visiting in person, and those who completed the questionnaire and provided us with invaluable comments and feedback, which have all been considered."

Leeds United are keeping tabs on Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, with Sunderland and Wolves also interested in the 24-year-old Moroccan, as well as European giants Roma, Juventus, and AC Milan. (Footmercato - in French), external

Meanwhile, Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky has confirmed that Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, 20, is set to leave the club, with Leeds among those vying for his services alongside West Ham. (Standard), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

A new episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix have plenty to talk about with Lille left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson expected to join the club as Max Wober heads out on loan to Werder Bremen.

All that, a new home kit and a story of a broken guitar in Edinburgh are topics for the panel.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Leeds are interested in Hoffenheim's Anton Stach but will likely face competition for the 26-year-old Germany midfielder's signature. (Kicker - in German), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Leeds United FC

Leeds United academy goalkeeper Rory Mahady has agreed a new three-year deal with the club.

The 18-year-old made 17 appearances for the club's under-21 side last season in the Premier League 2 and helped the academy side win the National League Cup.

His new deal with the club will run until 2028.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds defender Max Wober has joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on loan for the 2025-26 season.

The 27-year-old joined the Whites in January 2023 from Red Bull Salzburg and has made 28 appearances for the club.

He spent 2023-24 on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach before returning to England and making nine appearances last season in an injury-hit campaign as Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League.

Image source, Leeds United

Leeds United have launched their new home kit for the 2025-26 season, taking inspiration from the "iconic" Lowfields Tunnel.

The Lowfields tunnel is a part of the supporters' journey to the club's Elland Road stadium.

Leeds believed the shirt evokes "passion" and "unity" as the club returns to the Premier League after being promoted.

Werder Bremen have a strong interest in Leeds United centre-back Max Wober, 27, with permanent and loan options under discussion for the Austria international. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Leeds' approach to this transfer window is "a gamble" after target Habib Diarra moved to Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Andrew: It is a gamble, which has failed before and is likely to fail again. Lessons haven't been learned. Premier League experience is what Leeds need to bring in.

John: We have to stick to our budget - even if that means we need to buy slightly less than top quality. It is certainly a gamble. My biggest concern is that we seem to be looking at players with poor injury records. If they have one injury and are fixed, all well and good, but we can't afford to be paying players to sit for long periods in the treatment room.

Ray: The question of whether shopping in the European market for players is a gamble should also be asked of whether shopping in the domestic market is also a gamble, because of inflated prices. Every new player is a gamble to the club, but if we can bring in five players from Europe at the same price as a single Premier player, then I say rock on. Out of the five, we may find two diamonds that raise the quality and keep us up for the next two seasons.

Mick: The point being made is that players with zero Premier League experience are much more of a gamble than finding some players with a proven Premier League track record.

Clan: Leeds have a history of overpaying for "under-performers", not just in the international market but also domestically. So I wouldn't worry too much about the source of players, but rather that they have the requisite talent and experience to make a positive impact for the team.

Chris: We should only pay what is affordable and not go into an auction and spend more than the player's worth. Overpaying is not good business.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United's transfer business this summer could be a "gamble", says Kaiser Chiefs' bassist and Whites supporter Simon Rix.

Speaking on the BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, he said: "It's a little bit worrying they [the club] are fishing around in the European leagues, because we have done that before and it didn't really work.

"I think we are going to sign five or six people - and five of them need to work.

"If we're going to sign one left-back then we can't afford one left-back not to be good, unless we sign two left-backs. It is a gamble.

"Last summer, we talked about it feeling like we did good work and we were in good shape. We felt like January was a gamble and that paid off, but this transfer window is definitely going to be a lot of working out the amount of money that it would take – like with Habib Diarra [who moved to Sunderland instead] – where you go find someone else to gamble on."

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan added: "You have to be strong with that, they have to know that is the amount that we are willing to pay for that player and if it goes above that, like with Diarra, then no.

"If that means he goes to one of our rivals, which Sunderland will be next season, and he goes there for 10 or 15m more than we wanted to pay, we just have to suck that one up because that is not what we [can afford].

"It is like when you go in for a house, you are only going to go in so much over the asking price. It might be that house ends up being worth loads more than that in years to come but you, at that time, could only go to what you think you needed to go to to get that player."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Tell us what you think.

Should Leeds pay whatever it takes to close deals or do they need to take a more prudent approach?

And do you agree that shopping in the European market is "a gamble"?

Let us know

Image source, Getty Images

Sebastiaan Bornauw says he will bring an aggression to Leeds United after completing a move from Wolfsburg for a fee in the region of £5.1m.

The 26-year-old is the third signing made by Leeds since their return to the Premier League following the arrivals of Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol.

BBC Radio Leeds revealed in recent weeks that the club hope to sign players with physical presence in a bid to remain tight defensively in the Premier League.

"I'm quite an aggressive defender, I would say," Bornauw told the club's website.

"I'm strong. I like duels and I think that's pretty English. I think as a centre-back, I'm dangerous in front of the goal, I like set pieces, offensive set pieces. So that's what I think my game is, I would say.

"I'm really pleased to be here, it's an amazing club.

"The Premier League was always my dream, and then to play for such a big club in England and in Europe, it's a dream come true.

"I think the Premier League for me is the biggest league in the world. Obviously, Germany is a really strong league too, but I think as a football player, we aim for the highest and I think the Premier League is the highest for me."

Get news notifications on your club

Image source, Getty Images

Junior Firpo has thanked fans and Leeds United for "four unforgettable years" as he leaves the club.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the defender would be leaving as a free agent at the end of his contract and the 28-year-old posted a video message to fans on his social media, external.

"To my Leeds United family, today is one of those moments you know will come eventually but it doesn't make it any easier," he said.

"After four unforgettable years, it's time for me to say goodbye to a club, a city and a group of people that have come to mean so much to me and my family.

"When I first arrived in the summer of 2021, I was excited for the challenge ahead: a new league, a new country and a chance to grow. What I found here in Leeds went far beyond football.

"I found a house, I found team-mates who became family, staff who treated me with respect and care every single day, and fans who live and breathe for this club like nowhere else in the world.

"These four years have been filled with moments I'll never forget. The highs, the lows and the lessons, they've all shaped me into who I am today. From that first walk onto the pitch at Elland Road to the emotional rollercoaster of the Championship, and of course, to that incredible promotion back to the Premier League, every chapter has left its mark on me.

"This season's promotion was one of the proudest moments of my career. It wasn't just about football, it was about belief and fighting for these colours. Seeing the joy on everyone's faces, feeling the roar of Elland Road, and knowing we had achieved something special together, that's a feeling I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"I also want to thank those who believed in me and made it possible for me to wear this jersey in the first place. From day one, I've done everything I could to give back through hard work, effort and full commitment. This club has truly felt like home, and staying was something I was ready for, but that possibility was never on the table.

"To all the coaches and staff I've had the privilege to work with since my arrival, thank you. Every single person who contributes daily behind the scenes, your effort, care and commitment never goes unnoticed. You are the engine that keeps this club moving."

After four years and 119 appearances, it was confirmed on Tuesday that defender Junior Firpo will leave Leeds United following the expiration of his contract.

The 28-year-old, who joined from Barcelona for around £13m in 2021, had been offered a new deal but instead is expected to re-join Real Betis, where he previously played before moving to Barca.

Firpo spent his first two seasons with Leeds in the Premier League before the Whites were relegated in 2022-23.

The left-back was a regular starter in Daniel Farke's side last season, playing 35 times across all competitions, helping a defence that kept 25 clean sheets and contributing 14 goal contributions as Leeds topped the table to win promotion from the Championship.

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope feels Firpo's exit could be "the best outcome".

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, he said: "He was a little bit vilified in the Premier League.

"He said we never saw the best of him at that time and so he looked way out of his depth really in that league.

"I have got to be honest, I don't think he is Premier League material."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

The latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is here and it is all about the latest comings and goings at Elland Road.

In this week's show, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope and, fresh from Glastonbury, Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss the exit of defender Junior Firpo, who left as a free agent on Tuesday.

They also chat about who could be potentially coming through the door next after some early summer signings.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

German authorities have explained why Leeds United fans are unable to attend pre-season matches in the country.

The Whites are set for an eight-day camp in the country this summer - mirroring their pre-season in 2024 - and for the second year in a row, the club has been informed fans should not travel for the friendly fixtures.

The Leeds United Supporters Trust said the club had not received "any sensible explanation" but German Police have now said "security aspects" prevent them from green-lighting fan attendance.

In a statement provided to BBC Radio Leeds, Pascal Pettinato of the German police said: "There is an agreement between the Central Information Office for Sports Operations (ZIS / also known as National Football Information Point) and the German Football Association (DFB) regarding international test matches. Every planned test match with international participation is checked for certain security aspects.

"These include, for example, that the venue must meet certain security-related requirements - such as the possibility of fan segregation - or that the local security authorities must not be required to request additional nationwide support forces.

"If even one of these security-relevant requirements is not met, such a test match can only be assessed negatively from a police perspective.

"To ensure that a match can still take place, the clubs have the option of excluding spectators from the event.

"At this point, I would also like to inform you that not every Leeds United match should have taken place without spectators. For example, there were initially plans to hold a match in Rostock where, as far as I know, spectators would have been allowed.

"At this point, I would also like to inform you that not every Leeds United match should have taken place without spectators. For example, there were initially plans to hold a match in Rostock where, as far as I know, spectators would have been allowed."

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United are close to signing Wolfsburg defender Sebastiaan Bornauw for around £5m.

The 6ft 3in Belgium international centre-back made 16 appearances for Wolfsburg last season scoring two goals in a campaign blighted by injury.

The 26-year-old has one year left on his contract at the Volkswagen Arena.

Tom Mallows
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds have apologised "unreservedly" after German authorities said their fans are unable to attend pre-season matches in the country.

The Whites will travel to Germany for an eight-day training camp as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke's side made a similar trip last summer and were asked by police and local authorities not to bring supporters because of the resources needed to host Euro 2024.

Leeds say they had "written assurances" from the German Football Association and their tour operator that supporters could attend this year, but have now been told they cannot.

"Frustratingly, despite having matches agreed for a number of months, we have in the last week been informed that the police and local authorities will once again not grant a permit for us to play matches in front of spectators, will prohibit us from providing live updates and video streams, and have requested we discourage supporter travel," Leeds said in a statement.

"This comes despite multiple attempts to find a solution including offering various assurances, pursuing alternative scenarios that would allow for fan attendance, and even evaluating moving camp to a different location on short notice.

"Unfortunately, those efforts were fruitless due to the last-second nature of our change in circumstances.

"This result is deeply frustrating to all of us, just as it is sure to frustrate and anger you, our loyal supporters, to whom we apologise unreservedly for this outcome."

The Leeds United Supporters Trust said the club had not received "any sensible explanation" for the decision and will be contacting the German authorities.

"We respect the club and Daniel Farke's desire to keep a successful training camp in Germany, but would expect a valid reason from the authorities as to why once again Leeds United fans are being unduly excluded," the group said.

Fulham have no interest in offloading 24-year-old Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz despite interest from Leeds. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care. We will designate and assign resources appropriately."

With that, Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe explained to the media corps at a Rangers press conference, where he is now vice chairman, that neither club is superior to the other.

Rangers are a Champions League club and Leeds are not. United have a trek ahead to enforce a situation similar to Crystal Palace owner and Lyon share holder John Textor who was sweating on a conflict of interest when it came to entering Uefa competitions with both clubs.

Nonetheless, supporters will wonder where the 49ers investment will be concentrated.

Marathe is clear on this subject: "If and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that."

• Get news alerts on your club

The 49ers issue with Leeds is far more pressing than worrying about an ownership model, which may or may not have them compromised with Rangers in terms of European football. For now anyway. After all, survival in the top flight is the sole aim for United.

With approval given for £20m investment at Ibrox, Rangers new chairman Andrew Cavenagh is impatient to become the dominant force in Scottish football. The truth is the 49ers will be working on many multiples of that figure to preserve Leeds' Premier League status.

Spending £15m this week on new signing Jaka Bijol is an initial indication of the size of the commitment by the owners to keeping United in the Premier League.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds