RabiuLeeds United star breaks silence on Chelsea interest: ‘I am doing something right’
Leeds United have made strong progress with their summer recruitment, but attention is now turning to keeping hold of some of their most important players.
The Whites have agreed personal terms with Harry Wilson and are preparing to put the Wales international through a medical before completing his arrival on a free transfer.
At the same time, however, a fresh concern has emerged. Gabriel Gudmundsson has attracted interest from Chelsea, raising the prospect of Leeds losing one of their standout performers from last season.
Chelsea are reportedly keen to bring the Swedish full-back to Stamford Bridge as a long-term option to compete with or succeed Marc Cucurella. Leeds, though, have no intention of letting him leave easily and are determined to resist any attempts to prise him away from Elland Road.
Gabriel Gudmundsson responds to interest from Chelsea
We have the first reaction from Gudmundsson since the rumours of Chelsea’s interest in him ahead of the 2026/27 season.
When asked about the interest from Chelsea, he was quoted as saying by Fotboll Transfers: “Of course [I am happy], it’s a sign that you’re doing something right.
“But obviously all my focus is on the national team right now, so that’s all I can say.”
However, the Leeds defender does not want to think about his future at Elland Road at the moment as he wants to remain focused on the World Cup.
He insisted that his agent knows what to do and not to bother him as he focuses on the task at hand in North America.
Gudmundsson added, “I’ve worked with him for 10 years; he knows that when I’m here, I want to wear this jersey and focus on that.
“So that’s the bottom line.”
Leeds must hold on to him
Leeds United promotion hero reveals he wanted Elland Road return
“I really connected with Leeds; it’s a club that will always be in my heart. Especially the fans, they’re amazing”, Solomon told Sport5.
“When I stepped onto the field for my first game and heard the Leeds fans, I told myself, ‘I’ve come to the right place.’ At the end of the season, I wanted to be at Tottenham or Leeds. The club presidents were talking about me, and the price was high.
“We had a conversation with Tottenham before I arrived for training; they said they wanted me to stay and that the coach liked me, but after six training sessions, I got injured. Leeds’ interest had waned.”
Leeds will not rekindle interest in the Spurs winger
Manor Solomon was a key figure in Leeds United’s promotion-winning campaign, producing important goals and assists as the club secured a return to the Premier League in 2024/25.
It was no surprise, then, that a permanent return to Elland Road was widely discussed last summer. Despite the rumours, though, Leeds never made a serious move to sign him from Tottenham.
Instead, Daniel Farke opted to bring in Noah Okafor, convinced the Swiss forward was a better fit for the squad. Looking at how Okafor performed last season, that decision has been vindicated.
Solomon, meanwhile, has struggled to build on the success he enjoyed at Leeds. Loan spells with Villarreal and Fiorentina failed to get his career back on track, and he found it difficult to make a lasting impact at either club.
Leeds have also evolved tactically since his departure. Farke’s current system places less emphasis on traditional wingers, meaning Solomon no longer fits the profile the club are looking for. Given how the squad has developed, a return to Elland Road now seems highly unlikely.
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