Leeds United are in the market for a new goalkeeper, and their focus appears to be including Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Lyon’s Lucas Perri.
Illan Meslier’s high profile errors last season forced Daniel Farke into a late-season change to bring in Karl Darlow for the final seven games.
That switch between the sticks further outlined that Leeds can’t go into the Premier League with their current options, and will need to find a new signing soon.
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Leeds United ‘insist’ on Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
Over the weekend, it was reported that Leeds had lodged an enquiry to sign Torino’s 6ft8in stopper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, after another strong campaign in the Serie A.
(REUTERS/Matteo Ciambelli)
His performances have also alerted Scudetto-winners Napoli, but as the title-holders drag their feet over an agreement, journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that Leeds’ interest is growing.
A brief update on Tuesday morning reads that Leeds have made contact overnight about signing the ‘keeper and could be willing to pay his release clause:
“Milinkovic Savic: Leeds insist,” Pedulla wrote on X.
For clubs in Italy, his price is set at €20million (£17.28million), while clubs outside of Italy would have to pay “slightly” more than that – and the clause is due to expire at the end of this month, per the report.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic blow might shift Leeds United’s attention to Lucas Perri
An issue for Leeds is that they aren’t the only club in the running that would like to sign Milinkovic-Savic for such a fee.
The YEP outlines how he’s admired a lot at Elland Road, but remains a target for clubs across Europe who may be able to offer a more stable position than Leeds can as a newly-promoted side.
Should Leeds’ interest in the Serbian international be outmuscled by a rival, attention could turn to Lucas Perri, currently at relegated Lyon as the cash-strapped French giants sanction multiple sales to clear their massive debt and restore their top-flight status.
Reports recently claimed, amid Leeds speculation, that he could be heading to the Premier League for around £19.8million with unnamed interest.
Leeds United would have had brilliant coup in signing Milinkovic-Savic in goal – but he’s good enough to play higher
The first thing that springs to mind with this possible signing is that Leeds are clearly looking to become a physically dominant side next season.
Adding to our 6ft-plus signings with a 6ft8in goalkeeper would be a great way to continue in that vein, and his shot-stopping is excellent.
It goes without saying that Leeds need to replace Meslier for next season, and there’s a good market for goalkeepers at the minute, Milinkovic-Savic being one of the most eye-catching names that could be available to us.
However, if he’s not available, Perri would be a very good alternative to consider as well.