Leeds United’s search for their goalkeeper goes on as many targets have been presented to the 49ers.
Illan Meslier won’t continue as Leeds’ number-one in the Premier League next season.
Despite six seasons as the Whites’ main man between the sticks, the 49ers put Meslier at fault for almost costing Leeds promotion.
A harsh remark, but it can’t be denied; he was unreliable, and with Meslier not accepting his backup status, an exit looks likely.
This has brought up many candidates to fill the void, most notably Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Lucas Perri.
Illan Meslier during Sheffield United FC v Leeds United FC.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Leeds United’s main Illan Meslier replacement options
After countless keepers putting their names forward, it’s clear that two are the frontrunners.
This is in the form of Torino giant Milinkovic-Savic and Lyon shot-stopper Perri.
The Whites have opened talks with the big Serbian, as Milinkovic-Savic has a £19m release clause, and Leeds like what they see.
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Meanwhile, over in France, Perri has been made Leeds’ ‘priority’, with Lyon likely to sell after their relegation to Ligue 2.
It’s become clear that Perri will move to the Premier League, and whether that is Leeds or not is another question.
Nevertheless, when pinning these two units against each other, there is one player Daniel Farke should go all in for.
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The standout winner between Leeds targets Milinkovic-Savic and Lucas Perri
Both keepers are at a good stage in their goalkeeping careers, with Milinkovic-Savic at 28 and flourishing in Serie A, and Perri at 27 proving to be a consistent performer in Ligue 1.
What Leeds will need is someone who can come up in the big moments, someone who can avoid mistakes like Meslier did.
It’s a difficult task to take on the reins in what is arguably the most critical position around Leeds, and this is how they compare.
Milinkovic-Savic, 6’8, wins the height battle, pinning Perri by two inches, but there is no denying both will fill the goal and prove to be a presence in the net.
However, height is only one element; in terms of overall quality, one keeper truly stands out as the highest.
VMS in Serie A for Torino (24/25) Perri in Ligue 1 (24/25)
Games played 37 33
Save percentage 76.3% 72.5%
Clean sheets 10 10
Penalties saved 4/7 0/3
Goals prevented 10.6 6.05
Pass accuracy % 64.2% 73.7%
What stands out here is the rare trait of the Torino keeper’s penalty saving.
With four out of seven last season, the Serbian equaled the record for most spot-kick saves in a campaign, which could be a handy tool for Farke to rely upon in the top flight.
Milinkovic-Savic slots into Leeds’ best XI not only because of this but also his ability to prevent goals, as 10.6 is highly impressive, especially with plenty of shots set to be faced against England’s best.
It’s clear the Serb trumps the Italian, and Leeds should pay that £19m straight away to solve their goalkeeping dilemma at Elland Road.