Leeds United look to be targeting EFL-proven goalkeepers as they plot the likely replacement of Illan Meslier this summer.
The Whites are heading into pre-season at the start of next month with plenty of work needing to be done to the playing squad.
If Illan Meslier is to leave as most expect, it leaves the club with the task of replacing him with a new first-choice goalkeeper.
Football League World are reporting that the club are looking at four goalkeepers to take them into the Championship next season, with internal discussions underway.
Here, we look at all four names being mentioned and whether they would be good moves for the club…
Viktor Johansson – Rotherham United
The name most prominently featuring in the report is Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson, who scooped up his club’s Players’ Player of the Season after his heroics in 22/23.
The Millers stayed up with a 19th-placed finish, and have their goalkeeper to thank for a huge contribution, keeping 13 clean sheets along the way.
Not only that, but the Swedish stopper was statistically the league’s best goalkeeper for expected goals prevented throughout the campaign:
Championship Goals Prevented 22/23:
1️⃣ Viktor Johansson – 8.5
2️⃣ Angus Gunn – 8.0
3️⃣ Ben Wilson – 5.3
4️⃣ Matt Ingram – 4.6
5️⃣ Arijanet Muric – 4.1
⏸️ Daniel Grimshaw – 4.1After struggling with Meslier’s poor shot-stopping, it looks as though Johansson would bring very effective shot-stopping to Elland Road.
Marek Rodak – Fulham
Rodak has been sidelined for the majority of the last 12 months, with Bernd Leno the star between the sticks at Craven Cottage.
It’s hard to blame Marco Silva for being so dead-set on his number one, given Leno was one of the better goalkeepers in the Premier League last season.
Rodak, at 26, will surely be looking for more regular game time after being part of the Cottagers’ two promotions since becoming a senior option in 2019.
The Slovakian international made seven appearances for Fulham last season, where he kept three clean sheets, one of those being against Leeds in the FA Cup.
Another ‘keeper who has proven to be one of the best in the division when he has been starting for Fulham in 19/20 and 21/22.
Freddie Woodman – Preston North End
The third name on the list is someone who has previously been a target for Leeds, with Preston North End’s Freddie Woodman.
A former Newcastle United man, Woodman left the Magpies in the summer of 2022 permanently as he joined PNE in the Championship.
It’s been a long-time coming after being on the fringes at Newcastle, and he proved it to be an inspired decision with 17 clean sheets in 22/23.
Preston might drive a hard bargain after only signing him last summer, but he’s another ‘keeper who would be joining Leeds as one of the best around in the division.
Karl Darlow – Newcastle United
The most ‘experienced’ name on the list and perhaps the most unlikely too in Newcastle’s Karl Darlow.
Someone who always seems to be linked with an EFL move, as his time at Newcastle seems to be spent not involved, especially now that Champions League football is taking place on Tyneside.
He’s another that you know what you’re getting if he did join, a very competent shot-stopper as well as a modern goalkeeper that is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
The reason for this not being a likely signing is that Middlesbrough are in pole position to keep him in the North East, and discussions there are already taking place.
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Fulham approach Leeds United to sign midfielder Brenden Aaronson on loan
Fulham approach Leeds United to sign midfielder Brenden Aaronson on loan after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League – with Marco Silva eyeing the USA star in the No 10 role
Fulham have made an approach to sign Brenden Aaronson on loan from Leeds United.
Manager Marco Silva wants the USA international to play in a number ten role for Fulham next season and is keen to land a bargain signing.
Aaronson, 22, who joined Leeds last summer from Red Bull Salzburg for £24.7million, has a relegation clause that allows him to leave on loan.
However, Fulham have so far failed to meet the full conditions of the loan.
Silva’s side are also weighing up a bid for Fred at Manchester United as an option in their midfield.
Aaronson’s Leeds teammate, defender Rasmus Kristensen is in talks to join Roma on loan.
The Italians are already looking to renew their loan of Leeds defender Diego Llorente and have gone back for Danish right-back Kristensen.
Leeds face the prospect of losing a number of their current squad with clubs circling for the likes of Tyler Adams and Aaronson.
Everton are also among the clubs to have asked about Leeds’ young wingers Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville
It remains to be seen as to whether the Yorkshire side will allow a number of their young stars to depart this summer.
The club are still without a manager despite Daniel Farke becoming the leading candidate, as Sportsmail revealed in recent days.
