Leeds United’s pursuit of a goalkeeper might take them far and wide across Europe, but there may be solutions from Premier League rivals to consider.
Daniel Farke took drastic measures in order to ensure Leeds’ major dip in form did not continue into the final seven games of the season, axing vice captain and number one ‘keeper Illan Meslier.
It was a decision that proved crucial in correcting Leeds’ form, but in the process, underlines a glaring transfer priority that Leeds must get right this summer.
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Leeds United eyeing Nick Pope to address goalkeeper transfer headache this summer
The strongest link to a goalkeeper we’ve seen this summer already is that of Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, reports from both the Daily Mail and Chronicle sharing that the Whites have enquired about the 33-year-old.
(Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs)
Pope’s credentials as a consistent Premier League shot-stopper speak for themselves at both St James’ Park and previously at Burnley, and it’s the profile of goalkeeper Leeds will require to ensure they don’t follow the typical path for a newly-promoted side.
A stumbling block in the latter of those two reports pointed out that Pope is happy in the North East and any move would have to be due to a very tempting offer, giving Leeds a lot to sort out as they plot to convince Pope to trade Champions League football for a pending relegation scrap.
Could Chelsea provide suitable Leeds United with Nick Pope alternative if Newcastle don’t sell?
As noted above, it’s not as simple as Leeds bidding for Pope, Newcastle accepting, and that being that – there’s the matter of the Magpies replacing him first, Leeds convincing Pope to join, and also being able to beat others to a viable signing.
Should Pope not be the man that Leeds can get their hands on, Premier League rivals Chelsea’s current transfer movement might open the door for an eye-catching pursuit.
(Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)
The Blues, ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup participation in the US, are chasing an agreement with AC Milan over their ‘keeper Mike Maignan, per Fabrizio Romano.
Maignan is seen as one of the best in Europe and would come in as the undisputed number one at Stamford Bridge, leaving previously out-on-loan man Djordje Petrovic at a crossroads following a superb loan at Strasbourg, having already been linked with the Elland Road number one spot.
Petrovic, 25, will no doubt be eager to build on a season of regular top-flight football, where he ended the campaign fifth in Europe’s top five leagues in both save percentage (78.9%) and post-shot xG performance (+9.9), helping Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg to qualify for the Europa Conference League thanks to a seveth-placed finish.
Should Chelsea land Maignan, Enzo Maresca would have the Frenchman, Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders and Petrovic in their squad, leaving their futures up in the air and primed for other clubs (Leeds, potentially) to seize the opportunity and offer a starting role in the Premier League.