Illan Meslier played in the second half of the 0-0 draw between Leeds United and Manchester United in their pre-season friendly on Saturday. However, the French goalkeeper is almost certain to move on from Elland Road, with suggestions that he could be nearing his exit soon.
Leeds are aware that they need an upgrade between the sticks as they prepare to return to the Premier League, and Meslier’s high-profile errors in the Championship last season have made his position untenable. Karl Darlow replaced him in the team towards the end of their promotion campaign.
Leeds have already signed five new players, and Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach is set to become the sixth new face after the two sides reached an agreement on a fee over the weekend.
Sporting director Adam Underwood and his recruitment team have been scouring the market for goalkeeping options, and they are said to be working on bringing in a new number one in the coming days as the club pressed the accelerator on a few deals.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
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Leeds United eye swoop for Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen this summer
Goalkeepers such as Lucas Perry, Vanja Milenkovic-Savic, Senne Lammens and Aaron Ramsdale have been linked with a move to Leeds United this summer.
However, Leeds have already shown that they like shopping in the Bundesliga this summer, and the club are now looking to sign a goalkeeper from the German top tier.
According to German daily Bild, Leeds have been linked with a move for Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper has emerged as a reliable option, and Leeds are exploring the possibility of taking him to Elland Road in the coming days and weeks.
He has two years left on his contract at Augsburg and is rated at around £8m, but Augsburg could demand more money if Premier League interest emerges.
He will be an upgrade on Meslier
Leeds dominated the Championship last season, but Meslier still looked suspect in games where the Whites controlled possession and positional play.
The Whites will be under a lot more pressure, and Leeds need a gun-shot-stopper between the sticks to inspire some confidence in the defence next season.
Dahmen’s save percentage and expected goals conceded put him among the top bracket of goalkeepers, and Leeds need those shot-stopping abilities in the Premier League.
He is also a good cross collector and decent with his passing. However, his ability to stop shots will come in more handy against better Premier League attacks for Leeds.
He is also believed to be open to a switch to the Premier League, and this could be a deal that would be more than doable if Leeds make a move for him soon.
