Leeds United are claimed to be scouring Europe for an Illan Meslier replacement in the summer, with Chelsea’s out-on-loan goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is currently at Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg.
Premier League football is the only objective for Leeds in their final seven games of this season, and that goal hanging in the balance means Leeds can’t commit either way on transfer efforts.
One priority that looks fairly obvious regardless of the division Leeds are in is the goalkeeper position, with Illan Meslier’s career at the club in serious jeopardy.
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Leeds United eyeing move for Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic, on loan at Strasbourg currently
(Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Amidst the ongoing discourse around whether Meslier will keep his place away at Luton Town this Saturday, there is already speculation around how the club look to replace him.
TEAMtalk cover two potential options coming into Leeds’ focus this month, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher an obvious and already prominent link, but he’s joined on the shortlist by Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic.
Who should start in goal?
Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier
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Karl Darlow
Karl Darlow
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Alex Cairns
Alex Cairns
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The Serbian international is currently on loan at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, managed by Liam Rosenior, and is doing a great job in goal with his shot-stopping performance helping the BlueCo-owned club pushing for a Champions League place.
Petrovic has the second-best save percentage in the French top flight with an impressive 78.9% of shots on target stopped, while being third in Europe’s top five leagues for the same stat, as well as his post-shot xG difference, overperforming with a xG difference of +8.8.
Chelsea, at the moment, aren’t said to be too keen to listen to any offers for Petrovic this summer with their own goalkeeper slot up for grabs under Enzo Maresca.
However, at 25, Petrovic might be eager to continue his performance as a regular starter away from Stamford Bridge.
Leeds absolutely need a new goalkeeper no matter the division
It shouldn’t even be a debate by now that Leeds need a new goalkeeper as soon as this season comes to a conclusion.
Meslier has been seen as a core member of the dressing room, but that has come alongside the fact he’s cost us double figures of points this season.
That cannot be acceptable for a club with our ambitions, and it has to be our first priority coming into the summer window.
Petrovic is on a contract until 2030, so Leeds aren’t going to be able to get him on a bargain fee amidst this strong form, which represents an issue.