Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 7 July 2025 18:10, UK

Leeds United and Sunderland have formed somewhat of a rivalry in the transfer window.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is set to become Leeds’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window, though it could have been very different had it not been for Sunderland.

The Black Cats stole the march on Habib Diarra in a club-record transfer, before doing the same with Noah Sadiki, both of whom were linked with a move to Elland Road.

Now, the two newly-promoted sides look set to lock horns again in the battle for Matthis Abline’s signature this summer.

Abline attracting interest amid Leeds links

Leeds have spent the window bolstering their defence so far, though it won’t be long until attentions turn to addressing the concerns at the opposite end of the pitch.

A deal for Nikola Krstovic appears to be off the cards, with the Whites believed to have turned their focus to Abline last week.

To no one’s surprise, Sunderland are also looking into a deal, having also been linked with a move for Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze.

The Wearsiders were believed to have made a £17million bid for the Frenchman [Foot Mercato], which was rejected by Nantes.

Abline impressed in Ligue 1 last time out, and if Leeds can secure this arrival, it would serve as a blow to the Black Cats and possibly give them a little taste of their own medicine.

Farke needs to see his forward line bolstered

As important as it is to have a solid defensive foundation in the Premier League, you also need players who can cause damage at the other end of the pitch.

Leeds’ achieved that in the Championship, but with Manor Solomon returning to Tottenham, their forward line is weaker at the moment.

That needs to be rectified in the coming weeks, and no doubt it will be.

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