Daniel Farke, James Trafford
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Sun 29 June 2025 8:53, UK
Leeds United will desperately need at least one addition to their goalkeeping ranks before the opening day of the Premier League season.
Illan Meslier has come in for plenty of criticism during his six-year stint in West Yorkshire, with the Frenchman capable of both moments of brilliance and calamitous errors.
Daniel Farke finally decided to axe the 25-year-old in the deciding stages of their Championship promotion campaign, instead opting for Karl Darlow between the posts as the Whites honed in on the league title.
However, with Darlow now 34 and having not played a game of Premier League football since the 2021/22 campaign, a new number one will be one of the top priorities this summer.
Illan Meslier
Meslier was axed by Farke in the latter stages of the season. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds monitoring Trafford situation amid Pope interest
Leeds have been linked with a potential move for Nick Pope so far this summer.
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The 33-year-old has consistently proven himself to be a top-level ‘keeper over several years in the Premier League with both Newcastle and Burnley.
Pope would be a fantastic addition for the Whites, who are paying close attention to the situation unfolding regarding James Trafford’s potential switch to the North East, according to the print edition of The Sunday People (29 June, pg. 63).
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reported on Saturday (28 June) that the Magpies have had a bid of £27million for Trafford turned down by Burnley.
The young shot stopper is thought to be keen on the move, and personal terms wouldn’t be a problem, providing the two clubs can agree on a fee.
If Eddie Howe’s side can land Trafford, he would surely become their long-term number one, which would then likely open the door for Leeds to work on a deal to take Pope to Elland Road.
Pope would be a huge upgrade on Meslier
Meslier’s performances were once again fraught with errors last season.
With the margin for error growing ever smaller in the Premier League, Farke and Co. really cannot afford to be cost points by a ‘keeper who isn’t reliable enough.
Apps 221
Goals Conceded 252
Goals Condeded per 90 1.15
Save Percentage 74.7%
Clean Sheets 74
Pope’s Premier League stats, as per FBref.
If they could secure a deal to sign Pope, then it would surely provide the remedy to the issues they have experienced with Meslier. The England international is a commanding but calming presence, almost the total opposite to the Frenchman.
He possesses bags of experience, and has even added Champions League football to his CV in the last few years.
Even at 33, Pope is still one arguably one of the top ‘keepers in the Premier League, and if Leeds could secure his services, it would be a coup for the newly-promoted side.
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