Leeds United’s pursuit of a goalkeeper has taken a twist or two over the last few days with Brazilian stopper Gabriel Brazao now a target for Adam Underwood and The 49ers.
It comes after Caoimhin Kelleher ignored interest from Leeds to join Brentford in an £18m deal, signing a five-year contract with The Bees. Kelleher has explained why he chose to join Thomas Frank’s outfit.
Following the news that Kelleher would join Brentford, Leeds were strongly linked with Nick Pope again. Sam Johnstone is keen on a move to Leeds with Wolves requesting an £8m fee for the England keeper.
Now, LeedsUnited.News have been told that Leeds want to sign Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao with the Brazil market said to be of interest to The Whites. New Forest signing Igor Jesus was also a target.
Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images
Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images
Santos stance on sale of Gabriel Brazao amid Leeds United links
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been immense for Neymar’s Santos since leaving Inter Milan on a free transfer in February 2024, to return to Brazil after leaving boyhood club Cruzeiro for Parma as a teen.
Chelsea have also made enquiries to sign Brazao. Now, Brazilian outlet UOL detail the situation regarding Brazao – claiming Santos are desperate to keep him and will only accept a ‘very good offer’ for Brazao.
The report also states that Porto and Galatasaray have enquired about Brazao, with the Brazilian’s form at Santos catching the eye. It is unclear how much, specifically, would tempt Santos to sell their goalkeeper.
Photo by Abner Dourado/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Abner Dourado/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Gabriel Brazao has a release clause, but it is absolutely enormous
Some reports say that included in Brazao’s contract with Santos, is a release clause worth £59m. His form in Brazil might be good, but it is obviously not going to take a near £60m-bid to get him out of Santos.
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It all depends on the price. Others on Leeds’ radar like Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone and others are believed to be in the £20m range. Leeds fans were surprised Kelleher only cost Brentford £18m.
Meslier v Brazao – since Brazao’s move to Santos (February 26, 2024):
Name Club Games Minutes Goals Clean sheets Minutes per goal
Gabriel Brazao Santos 57 5111 57 21 89.7
Illan Meslier Leeds 54 4860 45 27 108.0
Brazao is largely untested in Europe even if he did spend almost six years on the books at Inter – without playing a single game for the Nerazzurri. But if a fair price is arranged, then Leeds could well make a bid.