Leeds United could be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer after the events of the past few weeks. With the club set for Premier League football, getting a reliable presence between the sticks is ideal.
After Illan Meslier cost Leeds crucial points against Swansea, Daniel Farke took a bold decision to bench the French stopper. Meslier made two basic mistakes to give the Swans a draw; first he claimed a cross and fumbled the ball for it to be tapped into the goal, and for the late equalizer, he was beaten too easily at his near post.
Karl Darlow has been in goal for the last two games, and the club have conceded just two goals, while keeping a clean sheet. Since last week, Leeds have been heavily linked with Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The England international could cost up to £30million according to reports.
With the 26-year old statistically one of the worst keepers in the Premier League this season, here are four other goalkeepers Leeds could sign for next season.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United players?
Viktor Johansson
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Johansson has shown his quality this season. The Stoke City keeper was linked to Leeds United before he joined the Potters at the start of the season. Johansson ranks top of the Championship for Post-Shot Expected goals conceded at +14.1, meaning he has saved around 14 goals for Stoke. The 26-year old also has the most saves in the league this season, he would be a perfect fit at Leeds.
Michael Cooper
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With Sheffield United set to make the Championship Play-offs, Leeds could have a sneaky chance to steal their first choice goalkeeper. As everyone knows, the play-offs are very unpredictable and there is every chance the Blades fail to secure promotion next month. Cooper is one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship this season, and ranks third for clean sheets (19).
Leeds have already taken a key player from Chris Wilder in Jayden Bogle, they can repeat that this summer.
Arijanet Muric
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The Ipswich Town goalkeeper lost his place in the first team in February. However, the Kosovo international is still a very good talent. He has Premier League and Championship experience in abundance. With Ipswich set for relegation, he could well become available this summer.
When Burnley were promoted to the Premier League two seasons ago, he ranked top five in clean sheets (17), least goals conceded per 90 (0.77) and save percentage (76.6%).
Jamie Cumming
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A surprise choice in this list, the Oxford United goalkeeper has quietly been one of the better shot stoppers in the Championship this season. With the U’s survival still not confirmed, they could see themselves relegated if results do not go their way. That would make it easier for Leeds to sign the Englishman.
Cumming is third in the league for Post-Shot Expected goals conceded – which is a metric that measures how many goals a keeper has prevented. The 25-year old is at +10.6, which means he has saved around 10 goals for Oxford United this campaign.
All statistics from this article are from FBref.com
