The goalkeeping situation grows increasingly concerning at Leeds United. The Whites are still yet to decide who will be number one next season.
It is known that Illan Meslier will most likely not be first choice keeper; the Frenchman is set to leave the club this summer. Karl Darlow will most likely stay as the back up. With just days till Leeds begin their pre season camping in Germany, the club need to find a new goalkeeper in the coming days.
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Three new signings have been confirmed so far, and now Leeds have to add a new keeper into the mix.
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Nick Pope makes decision on Leeds United move
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds reportedly had a shortlist of keepers this summer that included Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone. Newcastle’s Nick Pope has been on the club’s radar for a while. With the Magpies pursuing a move for James Trafford, it looked almost certain that Pope would seek a move away. But according to The Athletic, sources close to the England keeper have confirmed that he does not want to leave and will stay and compete for the number one spot.
Lyon’s Lucas Perri has also been considered as an option this past week.
Leeds need to find a quality keeper
A good goalkeeper can change the destiny of any team in the top flight. Sometimes it is not about scoring goals, it is about keeping them out. Leeds know that Illan Meslier is not the answer, as it has been made clear in this transfer window. Unfortunately for the club, Nick Pope is not an option.
The Newcastle stopper has vast experience playing for teams that have battled relegation before, and aside that he has been one of the league’s best keepers. Sure, defensive structure and defenders play a huge part, but Pope has shown he is an outlier when it comes to shot stopping.
Nick Pope’s clean sheets and save percentage in the Premier League since 2023:
37 games, 14 clean sheets – 73.1% save percentage
15 games, 5 clean sheets – 72.9% save percentage
28 games, 8 clean sheets – 71.5% save percentage
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