Leeds United have one particular area of concern that needs urgently addressing in the summer transfer window
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
07:00, 01 Jun 2026
Dmytro Riznyk.
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Dmytro Riznyk shone in Europe(Image: Tiego Grenho/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Daniel Farke has a big job on his hands to turn Leeds into an established Premier League side this summer after guiding the club to 14th upon their Premier League return. And there's one position that's been a constant source of trouble: just who plays in goal for the Whites.
Leeds need to recruit wisely in the goalkeeping department. The acquisition of Lucas Perri in July 2025 hasn't worked, with veteran Karl Darlow promoted between the sticks after the Brazilian shot-stopper's performances had wildly dipped.
Illan Meslier has long been out in the cold, with the Frenchman dropped for Darlow toward the end of the 2024/2025 campaign. Both are set to depart as free agents.
Dmytro Riznyk would be a suitable replacement for Perri. He has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer after impressing for Shakhtar Donetsk, whom he signed for from Vorskla Poltava in 2023.
The 27-year-old made 41 appearances last season, keeping 22 clean sheets, helping Shakhtar win the Ukrainian league by 12 points. Reports from Football Insider claim that he has appeared on Leeds' radar, but its unclear just how much he would cost at the present time.
After Shakhtar were dumped out of the Europa Conference League by Crystal Palace this season, the keeper alluded to what comes next for him, but stopped short of saying he would leave his homeland.
Goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk of FC Shakhtar Donetsk lifts the Ukrainian Premier League trophy as he celebrates with his teammates and fans
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Dmytro Riznyk lifts the Ukrainian Premier League trophy as he celebrates with his teammates and fans(Image: 2026 Global Images Ukraine)
"I’ve never been at this stage in my life before, in the semi-finals," he said. "I hope it won’t be the last time. We will work to go further and win in the future."
Perri was supposed to be the main man for the next few years, not a £15.6m gamble. Leeds were lucky that Darlow stepped up to the plate again with some terrific performances.
However, the club's swoop for Perri proves that Darlow wasn't deemed good enough in the first place. Quite simply, Riznyk would bring solid experience, with a know-how when it comes to winning, having claimed two Ukrainian titles and two domestic cups in the last few years.
Sure, the likes of Manchester City’s James Trafford, who could be on the move this summer, would be an ideal option for Leeds. However, any move would likely be on loan and not a long-term replacement.
Nick Pope could well leave Newcastle United given he has a year left on his deal, but the England international also found himself dropped this season. And despite transfer links, Leeds are said to hold no active interest in the 22-year-old World Cup-bound Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek of SC Braga.
Lucas Perri has been dropped
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Lucas Perri has been dropped(Image: Zach Forster/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Farke, when asked about Darlow’s contract at the end of April, claimed supporters could “read between the lines” after he talked up the 35-year-old. Whether he'd settle for a place on the bench behind Riznyk remains to be seen.
Farke was quizzed on the situation after Darlow made a rare error against Arsenal in January, hinting that yet another goalkeeper could be on their way into the club. He said: “Our board knows exactly my feelings about what I think we should do during this window.
“As I mentioned several times, I won't speak publicly too much about my opinions, because it makes the market just more difficult. And for that, sadly, I can't honestly answer the question.
“So of course, we're always looking to improve the squad and to bring quality players in, and especially in positions where we are perhaps a bit weaker. That's for sure.”
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