Leeds United star 'strong' in Pascal Struijk role vs world class opponent after £20m transfer
Leeds United representation at the World Cup is dwindling rapidly.
Gabriel Gudmundsson provided an interesting insight into his centre-back capabilities just hours after the transfer exit of a former Leeds United teammate overnight.
Gudmundsson spent one year playing to the left of Pascal Struijk at Elland Road but it will only be one year, with the Dutchman joining Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday. The YEP understands Leeds will receive an initial £18m for their defender, with a further £2m of potential add-ons and a sell-on clause inserted into the deal.
Struijk had one year left on his contract and despite the offer of a pay-rise in West Yorkshire, decided to pursue a fresh challenge with his June 30 sale helping Leeds to remain compliant with Profitability and Sustainability Rules. His exit leaves Daniel Farke without a natural left-footed centre-back.
Leeds will be expected to replace Struijk and possibly find cover for his successor too, but Gudmundsson showed a willingness to operate as part of a back three overnight. The 27-year-old played 90 minutes for Sweden against France in the World Cup round of 32 and despite a 3-0 defeat, didn’t look out of place.
Tournament favourites France dominated proceedings for much of the game with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, either side of a Bradley Barcola effort. Sweden held out for 45 minutes but conceded just before half-time, with 53rd and 74th-minute efforts sending Gudmundsson and his teammates home.
Gabriel Gudmundsson impresses despite defeat
But encouragingly for Leeds, none of France’s goals came down the Sweden left, with Gudmundsson keeping current Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele and his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Desire Doue relatively quiet. Despite the difficult result overall, he was picked out for praise by national media.
Alongside a rating of 3/5, Fotballskanalen wrote of Gudmundsson: “The centre-back was strong defensively. Together with [left wing-back Elliot] Stroud, they handled France’s right wing well.”
Gudmundsson featured in all of Sweden’s four matches at the World Cup, starting at wing-back in group stage meetings with Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan. He was handed a baptism of fire in moving to centre-back against the world’s best nation but coped well, despite the defeat.
While Gudmundsson’s performance in the back three will provide some food for Leeds thought, few will be hoping to see the Swede as a permanent fixture in central defence. The £10m summer 2025 signing enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign at wing-back with his forward running always causing opposition problems.
In fact, Leeds are already short in his more natural position, with versatile defender James Justin able to cover but more suited to the right. Gudmundsson is Leeds’ only left-footed defender following Struijk’s exit, with serious focus needed on that area ahead of next season.