Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Wed 20 May 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United‘s interest in Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk may not be as concrete as previously reported.

The Whites were said to have made an initial offer to the Ukrainian side for Riznyk ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Riznyk has impressed for Shakhtar this season and has four senior caps for Ukraine.

Leeds are in the market for a new keeper with Karl Darlow out of contract, Illan Meslier unfancied and Lucas Perri also failing to perform as expected.

But it seems a move for Riznyk is perhaps not as advanced as expected ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

What has Dmytro Riznyk said about rumoured Leeds United bid?

Leeds were reported to have lodged an £8.5million bid for Riznyk last month as they look to waste no time over bringing in a new stopper.

Daniel Farke has had to rely heavily on Darlow, who was expected to be third-choice keeper at best ahead of the season.

Riznyk has now been asked directly about the speculation regarding a possible move to Elland Road over the summer.

As per Ukrainian outlet Kohkypeht, journalist Mykhailo Spivakovsky asked the 27-year-old directly about the links during Shakhtar’s recent title celebrations.

Riznyk is said to have responded that he has no information about any negotiations, and he first heard about Leeds’ supposed interest via the press.

The former Vorskla Poltava player has 22 clean sheets in 41 matches for Shakhtar in all competitions this season.

He featured in both legs of his side’s UEFA Conference League semi-final loss to Crystal Palace recently.

Leeds could be left with no recognised goalkeepers

Meslier appeared to say his goodbyes after Leeds’ final home game of the season last weekend, with his contract up in the coming weeks.

Perri, the man signed to replace Meslier, made a slow start to his Elland Road career and was soon usurped by Darlow.

While Darlow has been more-than-solid between the sticks given his previous standing in the pecking order, he is also due to become a free agent imminently.

Darlow would be a good second choice if Leeds move for a new number one, but he may want to continue being a regular elsewhere.

Just like last summer, Leeds’ search for a new goalkeeper will likely dominate much of the transfer talk over the next few months.