Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki this summer. But, Aston Villa are also considering a new signing in goal too.
If you were to ask the Leeds fanbase who would be preferred in goal for next season, a large portion would simply tie down Karl Darlow to a new deal.
However, the 35-year-old is officially a free agent as Leeds await a decision on his contract offer. Should he leave, the club are pressed even more into signing a replacement No1.
Leeds United interested in Zion Suzuki amidst contrasting reports of nearing agreement
If you are to believe Italian reports as absolute truth, Leeds look to be closing in on the signing of Japan and Parma star goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Numerous journalists over there are claiming of United’s serious interest, with optimism of an agreement around the corner. Suzuki starred in Japan’s somewhat premature World Cup exit after impressive group stage performances and heartbreaking defeat to heavyweights Brazil.
Reports closer to Suzuki and Parma claim Leeds are pushing hard. Although, the same can’t be said from our side of the table.
Both Graham Smyth and Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell report that Leeds are indeed interested, but are in no way advancing in negotiations. In fact, it’s said that Leeds aren’t even actively pursuing the ‘keeper at this stage. Of courser, that could change with Darlow’s decision pending.
It’s said that Leeds may need a fee in the region of £26million to land the Japan 23-year-old.
Aston Villa enter race for Zion Suzuki on condition of Emi Martinez leaving
The Athletic are now reporting that Aston Villa are interested in signing Suzuki this summer as they weigh up Emi Martinez’s future.
Martinez, 34 in September, has been constantly subject to exit speculation at Villa Park and his club are braced for any offers that come their way, even though they’re currently minded to keep the World Cup winner.
However, should a “sensible offer” come in for Martinez, the Villans need a replacement. Suzuki is one of the names they have sounded out, alongside Toulouse’s £20million-rated goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
Leeds United must address goalkeeper position ASAP – Zion Suzuki, James Trafford, and others to be considered
Whether it’s Darlow renewing, or a new ‘keeper being signed, we need this position sorting as soon as possible.
It’s not great to have such uncertainty this summer in a position that finally looked settled throughout 2026, but Darlow’s contract situation makes it a priority.
If he leaves, which feels more likely now, then I think we ought to go big for a new goalkeeper. Suzuki feels like a lot of agent-led noise right now, given the conflicting reports, but there are others out there.
Namely, James Trafford should be at the top of our list if he’s in the right price range. That would be the sort of goalkeeper signing that sets us up for years to come.
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