Credit: Imago
Mon 21 July 2025 18:45, UK
Leeds United appear to be making strides in their search for a new goalkeeper.
Illan Meslier has manned the posts for the Whites since his arrival from Lorient in 2020, making 214 appearances for the club across all competitions so far.
The Frenchman has kept 72 clean sheets during that time and helped Leeds to two separate promotions to the Premier League.
However, Meslier has also made a host of high-profile errors along the way, and now, it’s understood Leeds are looking to upgrade in that position as they prepare for life in the top flight.
Daniel Farke has a busy summer ahead (Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media)Leeds making progress in goalkeeper hunt
Former Everton and Aston Villa chief Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that a move for Nick Pope could be on the cards for Leeds, if Newcastle complete a swoop for Burnley’s James Trafford.
But fans will have to patiently wait, with Trafford’s saga ongoing and taking an unexpected turn, with Man City making a serious push to bring the stopper back to the Etihad Stadium.
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That said, LeedsLive reporter Isaac Johnson has provided a positive update on Daniel Farke’s goalkeeper search, with the club seemingly in no rush to make a move, but heading in the right direction.
“Progress on a new goalkeeper has been made, though the mindset is that there is not too much of a rush given a shot-stopper needs less tactical input,” Johnson wrote.
“It could be that a new number one is not recruited until a week from the opening game – though recruitment staff are aiming for him to be acquired sooner.”
Illan Meslier has made numerous big errors (Credit: Imago)Goalkeeper upgrade vital for Leeds’ survival hopes
Football Insider verdict
While there are seemingly higher priorities at hand for Leeds, they will have to address their goalkeeping situation to give themselves the best chance of re-stabilising as a Premier League force.
The last time the Whites were in the top-flight, Meslier made three errors leading to shots (Fbref).
The 25-year-old doesn’t appear to have improved in that regard, making three errors leading to goals in the Championship last season (FotMob) — his error against Sunderland may never be lived down.
Illan Meslier’s 2024/25 Championship stats
Meslier will only be punished more harshly for these mistakes in the Premier League, and given how much the promoted sides have struggled in the last couple of years, it’s a disadvantage Leeds can ill afford.
Alongside Pope, Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner is reportedly being monitored by Leeds after keeping nine clean sheets in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season to help Die Nullfunfer finish sixth and qualify for the Uefa Conference League.
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