Leeds United have identified a £20 million goalkeeper as their biggest goal to replace Iranian Meslier this summer, journalist Marco Giordano revealed.
Leeds is set to bring an alternative to Meslier
As Carl Darlow replaces Meslier during his backend stick last season, athletic Phil Hay believes the Frenchman is “ends” at Elland Road. “Mersley, I’m struggling to see myself become my first choice again in Leeds. I might be wrong, but the way that happened this season has been that I’ve dropped the team behind a two or three-year downward spiral.
“It makes him think he needs a fresh start and Leeds needs to chase after his new first-choice goalkeeper. If they don’t, they’ll be really surprised. It feels like he’s finished.”
Since then, Daniel Fark’s part has continued to identify many potential targets, with recent reports suggesting he has submitted a £6 million bid to Dominique Libakovic of Fenerverse, who has been identified as a potential replacement for Turin’s Vanja Millinkovic Savic.
Related
Leeds: 49ers who hold direct “conversation” with “unplayable” free strikers
White people have made a central signing approach…
In a recent update on X, Jordona revealed that Leeds’ Mirinkovic Savic’s pursuit has faded.
So, Leeds has identified Lyon’s Lucas Perri, who is set to be available for a fee of around £20 million, given the “top choice” that will replace Messlier this summer: the current employer facing serious financial challenges.
But there may be fierce competition for Perri’s signature, but Premier League rival Newcastle United identified Lyon’s shotstopper as a potential replacement for Burnley’s James Trafford earlier this week.
“The best in the world”
Lyon’s manager Paulo Fonseca seems extremely disappointed in losing his goalkeeper, considering the 52-year-old praised him as “the best in the world” after putting up an astounding exhibit in March with a 2-0 victory over Og Nice.
On the day, the Brazilian made three saves from the box and also performed top performance against St. Etienne, one of the many solid displays throughout the 2024-25 campaign, making three saves from the box to pick up a beautiful sheet.
Fonseca isn’t the only person who has been impressed by the 27-year-old recently, and in March soccer scout Ben Mattinson praised him as the “top” and “underrated” goalkeeper.
Given that his mistake almost cost him his side promotion to the Premier League last season, it’s clear that Leeds will need to replace Messley this summer, and Peri has proven he could be a solid replacement, so it’s promising news that he has emerged as a top target.