Leeds United’s goalkeeper search is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing storylines of the transfer window. With Karl Darlow’s future uncertain and a number of high-profile names linked with a move to Elland Road, Last Word on Sports has rounded up the latest news.
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Leeds United’s Goalkeeper Search Latest: Meslier Departs, Darlow Uncertain, Suzuki In?
What’s the Latest on Karl Darlow’s Future?
Despite hardly featuring for Leeds since joining the club in 2023, Darlow suddenly established himself as the club’s number one goalkeeper last season, ousting £16 million summer signing Lucas Perri. When the Brazilian suffered an arm injury early in the campaign, Darlow was given the opportunity and looked a far more composed and reliable goalkeeper than Perri, who was unable to regain his place.
The Welsh international ended up playing 22 Premier League games, keeping five clean sheets as the Whites enjoyed a fantastic second half of the season. According to Sky Sports, with the former Newcastle stopper’s contract expiring on June 30, United have offered him a new deal which is yet to be accepted.
Darlow is reportedly considering his options, and has had interest from both Manchester United and Everton. Whilst unlikely to start at either side bar an injury, a move to a more established top flight club may be attractive for the 35-year-old, who would not be guaranteed to retain the number one shirt at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier Joins Arsenal
After seven seasons in West Yorkshire and 215 appearances in all competitions, French goalkeeper Illan Meslier will leave the club on a free transfer. According to the Athletic, the 26-year-old is set to join Premier League champions Arsenal, where he will be third-choice goalkeeper.
Despite an enormously promising start to his Leeds career, becoming the first keeper under the age of 21 to record 11 Premier League clean sheets in the 2020/21 season, Meslier has struggled. Since being dropped following a number of costly high-profile errors in March 2025, the former French U21 international has failed to make a first-team appearance.
Who Have Leeds Been Linked With?
Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who enjoyed an impressive World Cup for his country, is one of several high-profile names that Daniel Farke’s side have been linked with. However, with Juventus and Aston Villa also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, it remains to be seen whether Leeds will be able to land the Parma man.
Another keeper linked with a move to Elland Road is Swedish international Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, who made his first start for his country at this summer’s World Cup. According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds, Wolves and Eintracht Frankfurt have all made contact with Derby County regarding the 27-year-old, who looks highly likely to leave Pride Park this window.
According to Sky Sports, Leeds are relaxed about the goalkeeping situation, and Suzuki and Zetterstrom are just two of a number of options on their list.
Will Lucas Perri Stay At Leeds?
Just one year on from joining the Whites for £16m, Perri’s future is decidedly uncertain. Despite arriving with the expectation of being the club’s first-choice, the Brazilian endured a shaky start to life in the Premier League before suffering an injury, and never forced his way back into the side.
Despite some impressive performances in the FA Cup, particularly in the quarter-final, where the 28-year-old saved two West Ham spot kicks to earn Leeds a first semi-final since 1987, Perri was unfancied in the league. However, with third-choice keeper Alex Cairns currently the only other stopper on the club’s books, it seems unlikely that a move will be sanctioned for Perri until Darlow’s future has been resolved.
Featured image courtesy of Imago/DeFodi Images
