Goalkeeper is arguably the toughest area of the pitch. In contrast to a striker, a faultless game can be wiped away by one mistake. Each error is costly and firmly in the spotlight.
It’s a position which needs reliability and trust - aspects Illan Meslier lost last season. Constant mistakes eventually led to Daniel Farke breaking his stubborn stance and dropping the Frenchman.
To be frank, it was always clear from the middle of last season that Leeds United would need a new goalkeeper regardless but especially if they gained promotion to the Premier League. Indeed, it is one of their top priorities this summer.
A number of potential options are being looked at, though a bid for none has gone in at the time of writing. Torino’s giant Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is on the radar but seems bound for Napoli.
A more realistic option is Lyon number one Lucas Perri. Even though the French club have been reinstated to Ligue 1 following technical relegation to the second tier, they are under tight spending restrictions. So the club could still sell.
A number of clubs are also looking at Perri, but that should not be a surprise or disconcerting given that the type of quality Leeds need will always have rival interest. While there is still some time to go until deadline day, the reality is that it would be a worry if Karl Darlow was in goal on the opening night against Everton.
It seems highly unlikely Leeds will have a new number one in place for the first friendly against Manchester United in Sweden this Saturday. While not great, it's not the end of the world - but then, there is now just over a month before the opening game.
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While goalkeepers do not need as much technical adaptation as an outfield player, communication between a new number one and his defence is vital. Also, the understanding of his mannerisms and traits.
Which foot does he kick with, how fast is he from coming off his line, what is his communication style. Having less than a week to sort all of that out before the home clash with Everton is not the scenario United want to find themselves in.
The nature of the goalkeeper market usually involves a merry-go-round, with an elite club making a move for a top asset which sparks off the food chain. Many of those who start off such chains have competed in the Club World Cup, which delays the falling of the transfer dominoes.
But Leeds cannot, and will not, be using that as an excusatory hurdle. Talks are always being held between senior figures about the options on their shortlist.
Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri
Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri (Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The recruitment team has not yet selected their number one target but time is ticking. Surely they soon will. These next three or four weeks will need to contain some advancement towards a new ‘keeper, despite their very correct criteria of ensuring that the signing is of the required quality.
The issue of sales in light of tighter spending limits might be holding Leeds back in making firm advancements but that only then underlines the need to get things going in the departures lounge.
As an aside, Meslier is not being put up for sale or forced out but there is an acceptance he could seek first-team football elsewhere. Money from his possible sale will certainly be put towards the new goalkeeper but this can be done retrospectively. Perhaps a new arrival will actually force his hand.
Friendlies can help clarify which areas actually need more urgent attention but little will change in the way of a new goalkeeper. A new pair of hands are needed, and not before long.
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