Leeds United have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Illan Meslier, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Despite keeping 21 clean sheets in 39 matches during Leeds’ promotion-winning campaign, Meslier’s inconsistent performances and high-profile errors saw him lose his No.1 spot in the final few games of the season.
In his place, 34-year-old Karl Darlow stepped up and impressed, recording four clean sheets in seven appearances. However, Darlow is not expected to be Daniel Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League, and Meslier’s departure now appears increasingly likely.
With that in mind, Leeds are said to be targeting Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz as a summer signing to bolster their goalkeeping options.
The Israeli international joined the Bundesliga champions in 2023 for a reported fee of £4.2m and is under contract until 2028. While he has largely served as a rotation player at Bayern, the 24-year-old has shown flashes of promise during his limited appearances — including a Champions League outing this season.
A tweet from Bayern trusfer guru iMiaSanMia read: “Geneo and Leeds United are in talks with Daniel Peretz. The goalkeeper prefers a move abroad rather than within Germany. A decision is expected in 1-3 weeks.”
While the move would come with risk, given Peretz’s limited top-flight experience, Farke has already proven that carefully calculated transfers can pay off, as seen with the signing of Ao Tanaka.
Should he make the move, Peretz would bring not only fresh talent but also valuable experience to the dressing room, having trained and played for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Leeds, who finished ninth after their most recent promotion to the Premier League back in 2020/21, will be hoping for a repeat of that next season, though avoiding relegation to the Championship will be the main aim.
Other goalkeepers linked to Elland Road side include Aaron Ramsdale, Caoimhín Kelleher, Nick Pope, and several others — with Peretz now the latest to join the list.
