Leeds United’s search for a new goalkeeper goes on after missing out on Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher, who is set to join Brentford – and a Brazilian shot-stopper is now on the radar.
Leeds were interested in signing Ireland goalkeeper Kelleher, but Brentford have moved quickly to tie up an £18m deal for the Liverpool star after Mark Flekken agreed a move to join German side Leverkusen.
With Illan Meslier expected to leave Elland Road this summer, Leeds need a new goalkeeper. Phil Hay says Meslier is ‘done’ at Leeds and it has been claimed that Leeds have been offering Meslier to other clubs.
Leeds have been linked with Nick Pope again, while Sam Johnstone is keen on an £8m move to Elland Road. However, LeedsUnited.News have been told the club are trying to sign Santos’ Gabriel Brazao.
Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images
Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images
Leeds United interested in signing Santos goalkeeper Brazao
LeedsUnited.News understand that goalkeeper Brazao is a target for Leeds, having only joined the Brazilian club from Inter Milan at the beginning of 2024. Brazao has since impressed back in Brazil.
RedBull’s connections in Brazil are vast and the club have been considering a number of options over the last few weeks. Brazao is one they want, after playing more than 50 times over the last 18 months.
Photo by Isabelle Field/Plymouth Argyle via Getty Images
Photo by Isabelle Field/Plymouth Argyle via Getty Images
Brazao has finally found a home with Neymar’s Santos, having joined Parma from Cruzeiro at 18 and then Inter six months later. Loans with Albacete, Real Oviedo, Cruzeiro, SPAL and Ternana then followed.
He returned to Brazil with Neymar’s side in February 2024 on a free from Inter, and has been first choice since. Conceding just 57 goals in his 57 Santos games, Brazao has kept an impressive 21 clean sheets.
Photo by Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images
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Leeds may find competition from Chelsea in Brazao pursuit
Last month, it was reported in Brazil that Chelsea had made enquiries to sign Brazao despite the sheer number of goalkeepers on the books at Chelsea. A formal offer is expected from Chelsea soon.
But if Brazao actually fancies a shot at playing in the Premier League, Leeds will be more attractive to the Brazilian if he is happy to leave Santos. After a whirlwind start to his career, he has finally settled down.
Happy at Santos, his form is starting to catch the eye. There was talk of a Brazil call up for this summer’s fixtures, which would have been his first since 2018. Brazao then, is one to keep an eye on for Leeds fans.