Anthony Onifade

Wed 21 June 2023 21:40, UK

Leeds United have identified Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman as a possible replacement for Illan Meslier and he could represent excellent value for money.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a superb campaign for the Sky Bet Championship side, featuring in all of their 46 league games this season and registering 17 clean sheets in the process.

Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross revealed on 18 June that Meslier is “expected” to depart Elland Road 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 according to Football League World [21 June], the Whites have identified Woodman, Karl Darlow and Marek Rodak as possible replacements for the Frenchman.

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.

The Whites may well be goalkeeper-less by the time the Championship season kicks off in August, with Meslier attracting plenty of interest elsewhere and unlikely to be playing in the England second division.

Also, Robles is yet to receive a new contract offer at Elland Road which means Leeds United have got to move fast to secure an ideal replacement in the coming weeks.

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.

Though, it seems as if the club have already listed a superb candidate to take over.

The Whites may certainly be tempted to pursue a glamour name given the new era they’ve just kicked off under the 49ers Enterprises, and the economic windfall they’re about to possess should they sell plenty of their key assets this summer.

However, signing off on such a target isn’t guaranteed as none of those glamour candidates will arguably want to be playing Championship football, but in Woodman Leeds will possess a keeper who holds tremendous knowledge and experience in the division but can also grow to become a leading name in his position.

In the Championship last season, Woodman enjoyed such “brilliant” form keeping 17 clean sheets from 46 games – the joint fourth-best record in the division, made 2.7 saves per game while succeeding with 100% of his attempted runouts per game, and has even been included in the team of the week four times for his performances.

Woodman showcased himself to be a commanding penalty box presence for Preston, winning 100% of his aerial duels or high claims, whilst also recording 83 saves inside the box, as per SofaScore. The Championship can be an unforgiving league for any new goalkeeper, and it will be incredibly baffling for Leeds United not to consider a player who’s been there and done it before.

Also, with his contract having just two years to run, he won’t be an expensive option also. The stars are all aligned for Leeds United to make this smart and sensible move.

In other Leeds United news, a comprehensive transfer update appears to have ended the chances of the club losing an “absolutely fantastic” talent to an imminent bid.