Leeds United are pushing to sign a goalkeeper before next season starts. Their current number one is just days away from leaving Elland Road.
Illan Meslier was benched during the run in last season, leading to rumours that he was set to leave the club this summer. There were even reports that he had a deal from Turkey on the table, however, there have been no concrete offers. But there is the feeling that Meslier will leave soon.
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Former Leeds goalkeeping coach Marcos Abad said he advised the 25-year old to leave back in 2023:
“My advice was that maybe he had to leave, but he wanted to stay, to be promoted again with Leeds,” he said. “I understand (his decision), but, sometimes, as a goalkeeper, it’s important to know when you have to leave because, if not, it’s like every single action is going to be analysed very deeply. This is not healthy. This is not helpful.”
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds United players from the 2000s?
Leeds United battle Sunderland for two targets
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Sunderland have already signed a major target from under the notes of the Whites. The Black Cats unveiled Habib Diarra this week; Leeds began talks, but felt the asking price was too much.
Now, both clubs are set to go head to head in the transfer market once again. According to The Guardian, Leeds and Sunderland have held talks with Lyon’s Lucas Perri and Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic as they push to sign a new goalkeeper. Petrovic is keen on getting first team minutes away from Chelsea, while Lyon may need to sell Perri to ease their financial troubles.
The report adds that ”the most likely outcome is that one will end up at each club.”
Lucas Perri vs Djordje Petrovic
Who do Leeds United sign between the two keepers? To make things easier, both played in Ligue 1 last year. And comparing both statistically, there seems to be only one winner.
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Petrovic was outstanding for Strabourg and was even nominated in the league’s team of the Year. The Chelsea man is still young and needs a club to play for, Leeds can be that team.
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