Leeds United have received a reason to revisit a January move for Lyon attacking midfielder Pavel Šulc after he explained why his expected summer transfer never happened.
Šulc, 25, attracted interest from several clubs during the summer, with Leeds United among the clubs linked with him. Lyon had placed a valuation on the midfielder, with July reports putting Lyon's demand at around €25 million. No agreement followed, leaving Šulc in France for a second season.
Šulc has now explained the situation. He said he expected a departure, but asked Lyon officials to bring him concrete proposals rather than hearing that clubs had made enquiries. According to his comments to Czech outlet ČT Sport, interested sides did make contact, yet the gap proved too large.
"A move was certainly on the cards. But I told the club officials to give me something concrete", Sulc was quoted as saying by Sport.
"I didn't want to know just because a club were making inquiries. Clubs did actually reach out, but we couldn't agree on the money; in the end, they said they didn't want to pay that much for me.
"I'm not a twenty-year-old prospect—though perhaps if I held a Portuguese passport, I'd be a more marketable asset. I don't mean for that to sound bad."
His next remark drew attention. Šulc suggested that his age and nationality could have affected his marketability, saying he might have carried greater value as a younger player with a Portuguese passport. He quickly added that he did not intend the comment negatively.
Leeds have reasons to keep the conversation alive. Šulc scored 14 Ligue 1 goals during his first Lyon campaign and finished the 2025-26 season with 25 direct goal involvements across competitions. He has started the new campaign more quietly after fitness issues, although he has three assists.
His contract gives Lyon considerable leverage. Šulc remains tied to the club until June 2029, so the French side has no contractual reason to accept a reduced fee. Transfermarkt lists his market value at €20 million, while July reports put Lyon's asking price closer to €25 million.
That gap could define January talks. Leeds would need to decide whether Šulc's attacking production justifies paying close to Lyon's valuation, especially if Daniel Farke wants another creative option in the second half of the campaign.
A 25-year-old Czech midfielder does not offer the same resale profile as a 20-year-old prospect, and Šulc himself has openly raised that point. Leeds can protect their finances by refusing an inflated figure, yet a strict approach could carry a cost if he becomes central to their plans.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 16: Pavel Sulc of Olympique Lyonnais in action during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between RSC Anderlecht and Olympique Lyonnais at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on September 16, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
My view is that Leeds should avoid paying a premium simply because January creates urgency. The €25 million valuation deserves scrutiny, as Šulc has nearly three years left on his Lyon contract.
Leeds should not dismiss the deal on age alone. His 14 Ligue 1 goals and 25 goal involvements across all competitions show production that could bring attacking value. A sensible initial fee with performance bonuses could give both clubs room to agree.
That approach would recognise Lyon's position without forcing Leeds into an unnecessarily expensive commitment. Šulc has made his position clear: he wanted a concrete proposal. If Leeds return in January, they may have to decide how concrete they are prepared to get.
