Leeds United made a bold decision towards the end of last season as they pursued promotion. Daniel Farke decided to leave Illan Meslier on the bench for the final games of the season.
After a string of errors that threatened to derail their promotion campaign, the Leeds boss decided to pull the trigger. Farke put Karl Darlow in goal and the Welshman was a solid addition to the team. Leeds won the league title on the final day, conceding just three goals.
In the summer, everyone assumed Meslier would leave the club after losing his spot. The Whites went out and made a big splash, buying Lucas Perri from Lyon. And halfway through the season, some fans still have their reservations about the 28-year old; he has had some ups and downs in his short career.
Leeds United need to follow West Ham example
West Ham were also another club that added a new goalkeeper in the summer. Mads Hermansen was supposed to come in and immediately be the first choice keeper after his heroics with Leicester City last year. However, after just a total of four games, the Hammers abandoned the Danish international after a string of errors in goal. Alphonse Areola eventually took his position in goal in September.
Now the Hammers have set their sights on adding a new first choice stopper. Per ExWHUEmployee on The West Ham Way Patreon, the London club have proposed a shock swap deal with Spurs. Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky could join West Ham on loan as Mads Hermansen heads to North London. Thomas Frank is said to be a fan of Hermansen, while Nuno likes Kinsky as a potential starter.
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Leeds need to be ruthless with goalkeeping situation
Last weekend, Daniel Farke made the surprising decision to go with Darlow in goal, leaving Perri on the bench. Leeds won that game and left with a clean sheet; which will raise many questions in the fanbase about Perri’s position as the first choice stopper.
The 49ers acted fast to bring in Facundo Buonanotte to add quality to the attack, they can do similar with the goalkeeping position. Perri has been shaky in the last couple of weeks, and Darlow is a good option as backup, but Leeds need a first choice they can rely on. Getting a quality goalkeeper before the month ends could be key to the Whites’ survival this season.
