Leeds United boss Daniel Farke made a bold decision in the promotion race with just seven games to go. And it looks like his gamble has paid off the in the last few games.
Leeds decided to go with Karl Darlow in goal after Illan Meslier’s latest error as the club dropped points to Swansea City. The Swans benefitted twice from some questionable goalkeeping from the French stopper. Meslier let in the equalizer at 1-1 as he failed to properly grab a cross in the air, fumbling it before it was tapped in by the goal scorer. Then, seconds to the end of the game, he was easily beaten at his near post to end the game at 2-2.
Darlow has been in goal for the last three games, and Leeds have conceded just two goals.
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Leeds United will need to pay £30M for Premier League star
Credit: Imago Images
It has now been widely reported that this summer could be Illan Meslier’s last at the club. In recent weeks, Leeds have been linked with Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. After the Saints were relegated, the England shot stopper has received a lot of interest in recent weeks.
Now, TEAMtalk are reporting that the 26-year old has a relegation release clause. Clubs can bypass negotiations with Southampton if they make a £30million bid. It is understood Ramsdale does not want to play in the Championship, and will only consider offers from Premier League sides. With Leeds close to securing automatic promotion, it looks like they could be in the race for the Southampton keeper.
Aaron Ramsdale is not worth the fee
Paying £30million for one of the worst goalkeepers in the Premier League season is a bad move from Leeds. Ramsdale has only two clean sheets this season, an abysmal 8.3% clean sheet rate. He is one of two keepers in the competition to have less than three clean sheets after starting 25 or more games.
Leeds need to find better alternatives if they do end up replacing Illan Meslier.
