Goalkeeper remains a position of real uncertainty for Leeds United 12 months on from Championship promotion.
Leeds United will have to answer one of last year’s big recruitment questions again this summer following a major exit.
Uncertainty has surrounded the goalkeeper position at Leeds for well over a year now, ever since Karl Darlow initially replaced Illan Meslier for the 2024/25 Championship promotion run-in. He saw out that season with aplomb but an upgrade was expected for the Premier League.
Leeds sought out a new first-choice goalkeeper and in the end, decided on Lucas Perri. His £16million transfer fee was no small commitment for a newly-promoted side and a four-year deal was signed. But his debut campaign in West Yorkshire was a difficult one.
Lucas Perri's first season at Leeds United didn't go as planned.placeholder image
Lucas Perri's first season at Leeds United didn't go as planned. | Getty Images
Perri instantly came into problems when trying to play out from the back and appeared to struggle under the pressure of the Premier League. After two saveable strikes went beyond him against Manchester United and Newcastle United in January, he was dropped and four appearances since all arrived in the FA Cup.
Leeds got virtually everything right last summer, so much so that they over-achieved on their goal of survival by finishing 14th. Recruitment was close to perfect but alongside missing out on that right-wing/No.10 blend, the only question that remained was in the goalkeeper position.
Leeds United goalkeeper question still unanswered
The YEP understands a deal has been agreed to extend Alex Cairns’ stay but at present, Perri is the only senior goalkeeper at Daniel Farke’s disposal. Had Darlow signed a new deal, Leeds might have been able to kick the can down the road regarding a new first-choice between the posts but it’s now an absolute priority.
Read More
As with all good recruitment teams, Leeds will have a list of potential goalkeeper replacements in case a scenario arises in which they need to act. Now they need to act. The YEP understands Japan international Zion Suzuki is liked, as is James Trafford who if leaving Manchester City will surely have his pick of several clubs.
If reports are to be believed, both could end up costing £30m or more which presents a significant outlay for a team like Leeds whose funds are not infinite. Indeed, the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) has tightened the purse-strings a little in the short-term.
Whether they decide now is the time to future-proof their goalkeeper department with a long-term and expensive option, or kick the can down the road again and invest elsewhere, remains to be seen. But once again at Elland Road, it’s going to be a summer of change between the posts.
Continue Reading