Manager speaks out as Leeds United-linked attacker absent from Champions League squad
Leeds United are aware of Lyon attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc.
Leeds United-linked Pavel Sulc could leave Lyon this summer with head coach Paulo Fonseca hinting at growing transfer interest.
Sulc emerged as a potential target for Leeds last month, although reports of talks being held were wide of the mark. The YEP’s understanding at the time was that Elland Road chiefs were aware of the attacking midfielder but not actively pursuing a deal - albeit that could change if other transfer business didn’t materialise.
The 25-year-old has reportedly been the subject of transfer enquiries from Premier League clubs Everton and Aston Villa, while Juventus have also made contact over a possible deal. Sulc missed Lyon’s Champions League qualifying first-leg defeat to Sparta Prague on Tuesday, officially due to knee inflammation.
“Pavel is currently injured,” Lyon boss Fonseca said. “He has inflammation in his knee. He came back to us quite late after the World Cup and wasn't in his best physical shape. He himself really wanted to play in Prague, but unfortunately that's not possible.
“There are options out there. We really value him here - he had an excellent season last year. I can't say right now whether he'll leave or not. Pavel's value is very high, and every club in Europe will be keeping a close eye on him.”
The Whites were still in the running for Julian Brandt at the time of those initial links to Sulc but the free agent has since decided to join Dutch side Ajax. Alternative options were being assessed at Leeds ahead of that decision, with Marseille’s Brazilian winger Igor Paixao - a marquee target 12 months ago - among them.
Sulc enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign at Lyon, registering 14 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. The Czech international plays in a similar position to Brandt as a right-footed No.10 and has 24 caps for his county, including at this summer’s World Cup.