Leeds United are eyeing other goalkeeping options after a move for Newcastle United’s Nick Pope failed to materialise.
The truth for Leeds United is that, for some time now, Nick Pope has been a top target for the 49ers but Pope was always likely to be a tough deal for Leeds to complete from Newcastle.
That said, with Pope entering the final 12 months of his Newcastle deal, many hoped a deal could be struck. With James Trafford closing in on a switch, Pope’s Newcastle exit appears likelier from the Leeds perspective.
That hasn’t proven to be the case, as The Athletic’s Beren Cross put an end to any remaining Leeds links to Pope in recent updates. Newcastle won’t budge and Pope is content as second-choice next year.
Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner
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Robin Zentner emerges as a target for Leeds United
Leeds have already completed two deals from the Bundesliga in Sebastiaan Bornauw and Lukas Nmecha, and more are reportedly being eyed, including Anton Stach.
Interestingly, Robin Zentner was suggested as an option instead of Pope in a recent piece outlining some alternative options both domestically and elsewhere in other major European leagues.
Per FotMob and their database, he had the fourth-best save percentage (71.3%) in the Bundesliga last term, while also sitting fourth for ‘goals prevented’ with 5.0 kept out more than he was expected to manage on xG.
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Now, The Athletic are reporting that Zentner is a serious target for the Whites this summer alongside Lyon’s Lucas Perri.
The 30-year-old came through the ranks for Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05, with their sixth-placed finish securing UEFA Conference League football next term.
Zentner is under contract until 2028 and he has been Mainz’s primary number-one since 2019/20. In that time, his availability has been excellent, having played in 174 of the last 192 league outings.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Torino FC looks on prior to a Serie A game.
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Leeds’ interest in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic explained
It is paramount Leeds add a more reliable and consistent first-choice this summer between the sticks, and another option has also been confirmed by Cross on Twitter/X.
Tentative reports have emerged regarding Leeds’ interest in Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic but nothing concrete until now.
In Cross’ words, Leeds and others would take him in a heartbeat. However, Cross expects that he ends up moving to a Champions League club of some description.