Leeds United transfer news as discussions held with Karl Darlow, Freddie Woodman and Marek Rodak - MOT Leeds News 22/6/23
By Anthony Onifade
Leeds United have identified goalkeepers Karl Darlow,
Freddie Woodman and Marek Rodak as possible replacements for Illan Meslier,
according to Football League World.
Journalist Beren Cross of Leeds Live revealed on 18 June
that Meslier is “expected” to depart this summer, leaving a clear need for a
new first-choice in goal, with Spanish shot-stopper Joel Robles yet to receive
a new contract offer.
And the Whites are long-term admirers of Darlow, Woodman and
Rodak and have identified them as possible replacements for the Frenchman.
According to Football League World [21 June], discussions
have taken place with the goalkeeping trio. However, the Whites’ position is
that they are not first-choice targets and any move for them is deemed unlikely
at this stage.
Meslier has been linked to the likes of Tottenham [TEAMtalk,
11 April] and Manchester United before [The Sun, 18 February], and Leeds United
will desperately need to identify a long-term replacement for the Frenchman
should he inevitably depart.
With the Whites still having to sort out their ideal
managerial candidate for next season, any goalkeeping transfer wish may have to
be put on the back burner as their potential options may hinge on a new
manager’s decision.
It’s incredibly important Leeds United start listing some
possible targets now and all three of Darlow, Woodman and Rodak certainly
represent smart additions, given their Championship circumstances.
All three candidates have some quality to them and would be
cheap and smart additions to the role and it’s rather baffling that none of
them are top targets given their varying qualities.
It’s uncertain the kind of goalkeeper Leeds United are
looking at right now, and any other alternative may prove more expensive than
the names already identified. It’s going to be a hugely testing summer for the
49ers and they’ve got to make some smart decisions across the board.
