Leeds United spent £100million on 10 new signings in the summer transfer market. The recruitment was geared towards building a team that could survive the top flight.
After investing that much money, fans were disappointed that no big name attacker was signed. Leeds did however bring in three players – Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.
The Whites also thought they had solved their goalkeeping problem when they signed Lucas Perri this summer. Daniel Farke had had enough with Illan Meslier towards the end of last season. The Frenchman was making errors towards the business end of the campaign. Farke replaced Meslier with Karl Darlow, who was in goal for the rest of the season – Leeds won the Championship title on the final day of the season.
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Leeds United set their sights on a new goalkeeper
Lisandru Olmeta Credit: Imago
Unfortunately the club were unable to offload the goalkeeper in the summer, but the offers were not good enough. Leeds managing director Robbie Evans revealed that there were offers for Meslier, but were not ideal for the club, and the player was not open to some moves. The Whites eventually kept the French keeper after the transfer window.
According to L’Equipe, Leeds are eyeing Lille goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta. The French outlet reported this week that the Whites are in contact with the goalkeeper’s representatives over a possible move. Italian side Parma are also said to be interested, but there is currently no word on if Lille would be open to selling the 20-year old star.
Olmeta is currently with France at the FIFA U20 World Cup where he has kept two clean sheets and only conceded three goals in the whole competition.
News means Illan Meslier is on his way out of Elland Road
It is an open secret that Meslier will leave the club soon – his contract expires next summer and there are some European clubs already showing interest. It remains to be seen if the goalkeeper will see out his contract and leave on a free transfer, or if the Whites could get a cut-price deal for him when the winter window opens in a few months.
