Many thought that a goalkeeper would have been the first target for Leeds United this summer. However, the club’s approach to the window meant that the position was not an immediate priority.
Daniel Farke and the recruitment team focused on bolstering the defence, and the midfield these past few weeks. Out of the six new signings, five have been defenders and midfielders. The club is now expected to focus on the attack, with the priority now to find a new striker and a winger.
A goalkeeper is also on the radar, as Leeds seek to replace Illan Meslier ahead of next season.
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Leeds United considered move for Bundesliga star
Credit: Imago
The Athletic reported that 30-year old Mainz keeper Robin Zentner was one of their major targets considered for the goalkeeping position. Leeds have been trying to find a replacement for Illan Meslier this summer, but the Frenchman is still with the club.
Zentner is an interesting prospect as a keeper. His coach Bo Henriksen said he brought the best out of the shot stopper by ”taking the fear” out of him.
“I have heard so many coaches talking about belief and trust and then one second later someone makes a mistake and they are on television saying they lost the game because this player did not move here or that player did not do that. And then, it is destroyed.”
“I told him that he would be part of it next week. You can talk and talk but if you do not show your players that you believe in them, they will never believe in you.”
Zentner kept nine clean sheets as Mainz qualified for the Conference league.
Bid made for Lucas Perri
As of Thursday, it has been confirmed that Leeds have had a bid accepted for Lyon keeper Lucas Perri. The Brazilian was the main target the club decided on after assessing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and most recently, Robin Zentner.
🚨EXCL Total agreement between Lyon and Leeds for Lucas Perri. The goalkeeper is leaving the tour in Germany and flying to England. After medical Perri will signs his contract with Leeds. pic.twitter.com/lEAaDdt6mQ
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) July 24, 2025
Initially the club was willing to wait to get a new goalkeeper, but it looks like the opportunity presented itself earlier.
Zentner move unlikely with latest news
With Lucas Perri set to arrive, the club may no longer pursue a move for the Mainz keeper. But his profile and statistics show how much effort Leeds have put into identifying transfer targets. Zentner is one of the best shot stoppers in Germany.
Credit: DataMB
His commanding frame allows him to come out and grab crosses and set pieces. He is not a modern keeper, and prefers to stay on his line. In another world, the 30-year old could have replaced Illan Meslier.
