A new goalkeeper remains a top priority for Leeds United this summer. So far though, there’s been nothing close to a breakthrough on that front.
Leeds United desperately need a new goalkeeper bringing in this summer. Illan Meslier is expected to leave Leeds United after his rather disastrous 2024/25 in between the sticks, and there’s been no end of names tipped to replace the Frenchman at Elland Road.
And it seems as though Daniel Farke’s goalkeeper search has ramped up in the last week or so. But players of interest keep on agreeing moves elsewhere.
One being Djordje Petrovic who has agreed a move to Bournemouth despite being heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in the last week or so. Elsewhere, Aston Villa are set to sign Marco Bizot who was of interest in West Yorkshire.
All the while, Meslier is being linked with a move to Turkey with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce rumoured to be interested in signing the 25-year-old.
Leeds fans will also be curious to see who Farke plays in goal for Leeds United’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United next week: Karl Darlow is the likely one to start but Farke may be inclined to give Meslier a half, in the event that he ends up staying as a no.2.
Dominik Livakovic at the 2022 World Cup during a game between Spain and Croatia.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Dominik Livakovic tells Fenerbahce he wants to leave amid Leeds United transfer rumours
Recent reports have revealed how Dominik Livakovic is a transfer target for Leeds United. The 30-year-old, 66-cap Croatian goalkeeper is currently at Fenerbahce, though manager Mourinho is understood to be unhappy with his performances and he could now axe the former Dinamo Zagreb man this summer, and potentially send him to Leeds United.
Turkish outlet Takvim report that Livakovic has met with the Fenerbahce management team and told them: “My agent is receiving many offers. I want to leave the team.” But there is not yet an agreement reached with another club for Livakovic to leave Fenerbahce this summer.
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The Turkish giants are ‘open to parting ways’ with Livakovic, but Fenerbahce don’t want to lose any money on the €7million (£6.07million) they paid to sign Livakovic in 2023. It’s understood that Leeds have made a £6million bid for Livakovic.
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic before a game against Morocco.
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Dominik Livakovic’s stats in 24/25, was he really that bad for Fenerbahce?
Leeds United obviously won the Championship title last season whilst Fenerbahce finished 2nd in the Super Lig, and 11 points behind eventual winners Galatasaray.
Both teams had solid defences, Leeds more so with just 30 goals conceded in their 46 Championship games, whilst Fenerbahce conceded 51 in 36 league games.
Meslier obviously kept a lot of clean sheets last season but was massively helped out a solid defence. But he made more errors leading to goals than Livakovic last season.
Stat (league) Livakovic in 24/25 Meslier in 24/25
Appearances 22 39
Clean sheets 8 21
Conceded-per-game 1 0.7
Penalties saved 1/3 1/4
Saves-per-game 2 1.7
Save % 66 71
Errors leading to goals 1 3
It’s those errors that cost teams vital points, and for Leeds United, every point will be absolutely vital for them next season, so replacing Meslier with a goalkeeper who avoids those mistakes is vital.