Leeds United lost Karl Darlow to Man Utd as the 49ers were unable to guarantee the experienced goalkeeper the No1 spot.
United’s goalkeeper pursuit needs to speed up soon, after losing Karl Darlow on a free transfer to Old Trafford earlier in July.
Not only do Leeds need a new starting goalkeeper, but reports about why Darlow turned down an Elland Road extension make matters more tricky. Leeds reportedly weren’t willing to guarantee Darlow a starting spot, meaning the plan was to have him as backup again next season, while Lucas Perri’s position at the club is far from strong.
Therefore, it can be safely assumed Leeds not only want a new long-term successor as No1, but we could do with a backup as well.
So, let’s look at three backup goalkeeper options that Leeds should be considering…
Jason Steele – Brighton
An experienced Englishman is likely the route Leeds go down if we’re in the hunt for another backup goalkeeper. Brighton’s Jason Steele fits the criteria down to a tee.
He’s shown during his time under Roberto De Zerbi that he’s absolutely capable of filling in when needed, as a shot-stopper and ‘modern’ goalkeeper too.
A Northern lad from County Durham, Steele may want to see out the twilight years of his career closer to home in West Yorkshire.
At 35, he would come to Leeds with similar pedigree to Darlow. How willing Brighton would be to part ways is another question, though.
Radek Vitek – Man Utd
A much younger option that could be a shrewd long-term investment is Man Utd’s Radek Vitek, who returned for their pre-season this month after a brilliant Championship loan spell.
Vitek, 22, spent last season at Bristol City in the EFL, where he proved to be one of the best shot-stoppers outside the Premier League.
His chances of playing at Old Trafford are slim-to-nil next season. Senne Lammens has locked off the No1 spot, and Darlow joins as an obvious No2.
Despite being in their pre-season squad, Vitek outlined his desire to leave, and moving to Leeds could be an inviting proposition, even if he’s itching to remain a first-choice ‘keeper.
“I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see. We will see what is going to happen,” via The Mirror. “At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete.”
Stefan Ortega – Free agent
Should Leeds actually sign James Trafford from Manchester City, having someone he’s familiar with to learn and develop alongside would be nice.
Former Manchester City man Stefan Ortega is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest at the start of the month, and is the exact profile Leeds should be after.
Again, Leeds have clearly shown a willingness to strike on free agents when the time is right. Ortega would provide brilliant experience as a two-time Premier League-winner and part of City’s treble-winning squad too.
At 33, Ortega may still understandably feel like he’s got much more football in him. But, an ambitious project where he’s competing for a starting spot alongside a long-term project ‘keeper is potentially inviting.
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