via Reuters
Leeds United have found themselves a new back-up goalkeeper after increasing their offer. The Whites have reportedly agreed to sign Eintrach Frankfurt keeper Michael Zetterer is said to be on his way to Elland Road to fill an important void behind club-record signing James Trafford.
Leeds saw their goalkeeping department cleaned out this summer, with Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier both left the club, while Lucas Perri also looks likely to depart, with Torino reportedly closing in on a loan deal. As things stand, that would leave only veteran Alex Cairns as a back up to Trafford, and while Daniel Farke hopes not to need one, it would be a huge risk not to have a solid back-up.
For that reason, Leeds have been working on signing Zetterer from Eintrach Frankfurt, and they are now said to have reached a deal. Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported on X: "EXCL | Michael Zetterer to Leeds United - DONE DEAL Full agreement reached with Eintracht Frankfurt for a permanent transfer. Fee: €5m. #LUFC Leeds improved their financial offer. Zetterer has said yes and is set to become Leeds United’s new No. 2. Medical today. Contract planned until 2029."
The 31-year-old keeper was Frankfurt's starting goalkeeper last season, making 22 Bundesliga appearances and five more in the Champions League. He joined Frankfurt ahead of last season from Werder Bremen, where was the starter for back-to-back seasons. The former Germany under-21s international signed a four-year deal when he joined Frankfurt last summer, but he is now heading to Leeds to become the new back up.
Zetterer a 'strong goalkeeper'
Reuters
When Frankfurt signed Zetterer, the club's sporting CEO Markus Krösche said: "Michael Zetterer is a strong goalkeeper who is also a very good footballer. He showed in Bremen that he is much better than the average goalkeeper, and with his mindset and ambitions, he will be a perfect fit for us here in Frankfurt.”
The experienced stopper stands at 6ft2". He kept six clean sheets last season, conceding only 33 goals in 22 games as Frankfurt finished eighth, finishing just outside the European spots.