One of the key positions for Leeds United to ensure they get right this summer is in the goalkeeping position, with Illan Meslier in need of replacing.
The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer, and a parting of ways perhaps makes sense at this stage of his Leeds United career. Phil Hay thinks Meslier is done at Leeds and a new starting option is needed.
Throughout the 2024/25 season it was reported that Leeds were interested in signing Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher. However, Brentford’s Kelleher interest is strong of late.
Previously, we exclusively revealed that Leeds enquired about signing Kelleher this summer. But Liverpool are understood to be asking for around £30 million for the Republic of Ireland international.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale emerge as options for Leeds United
Speaking recently, Kelleher said he’s ready to have a fresh start away from Liverpool and to get regular first-team football in the Premier League.
However, that sort of asking price could mean Leeds eye other alternatives. Daniel Peretz is one of eight goalkeepers Leeds have been linked to but two new names have cropped up to add to that.
The Daily Mail are reporting that, in terms of priorities, a new goalkeeper is top of the list this summer with neither Meslier nor Karl Darlow considered as Premier League starter quality between the sticks.
The report also states that both Wolves’ Sam Johnstone and Liverpool’s Kelleher are options that have been discussed though Kelleher is in demand from a number of Premier League clubs.
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Another player of interest is Southampton’s England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after suffering the fourth relegation of his career at the age of 27.
Johnstone was understudy to Jose Sa with Wolves for most of the campaign, while Ramsdale may also be looking for a move due to relegation to the second tier.
Both goalkeepers, as well as Kelleher, will be keen to be No.1 for a Premier League side — not playing in the Championship or featuring infrequently as a No.2.
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
How do Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone compare statistically amid interest from Leeds?
Neither of the new names have performed particularly well of late, with Ramsdale the marginally better player of the two if you view the overall stats below on a per 90 basis.
Aaron Ramsdale Sam Johnstone
Games played 30 7
Goals conceded 66 17
Clean sheets 3 0
Save percentage % 65.4% 57.5%
Goals prevented +0.14 -4.03
Pass accuracy % 59.4% 62.7%
Johnstone has perhaps suffered from a lack of regular action and rhythm but most Leeds fans won’t be particularly keen on either player when viewing them from a statistical point of view.
Ramsdale had a better spell with Arsenal and Johnstone has been mostly consistent in spells of his career with West Brom and Crystal Palace. Leeds might be looking at Kelleher before either, though.