Paulo Fonseca addresses Pavel Sulc absence as Leeds United-linked attacker misses Champions League qualifier | OneFootball

Leeds United-linked Pavel Sulc could leave Lyon this summer after head coach Paulo Fonseca acknowledged mounting interest, with the playmaker absent from Tuesday’s Champions League qualifying first leg at Sparta Prague.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Sulc surfaced as a potential Leeds target last month, though suggestions of talks were wide of the mark. The club were aware of the 25-year-old but not actively pursuing a deal, which could change if other moves did not come off.

The Czech international has reportedly drawn enquiries from Everton and Aston Villa, while Juventus have also made contact over a possible transfer.

Fonseca said Sulc is dealing with knee inflammation after a late return from the World Cup and was not at peak fitness. He added there are options for the attacker, Lyon value him highly after an excellent season, and he cannot say whether the player will leave.

Leeds were also in the running for Julian Brandt at that time, but the free agent has chosen Ajax. Alternative wide and attacking options, including Marseille’s Brazilian winger Igor Paixao, were being assessed.

Sulc scored 14 goals and registered seven assists in 38 appearances for Lyon in 2025/26. He is a right-footed No.10 with 24 senior caps, including at this summer’s World Cup.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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