Leeds United ‘to sign Nick Pope’ as goalkeeper set to undergo medical
Leeds United are not wasting any time in signing new players ahead of their Premier League return.
Lukas Nmecha became Leeds’ first signing of the summer and will join on a free transfer from VfL Wolfsburg on 1 July.
Jaka Bijol is set to follow Nmecha through the Elland Road door, although news has gone quiet following his medical.
As fellow promoted side Burnley make their first signing of the summer, it is likely to trigger a domino effect that may lead to Nick Pope signing for Daniel Farke.
Pope to exit Newcastle United as Burnley agree goalkeeper deal
A new goalkeeper is of paramount importance for Farke after Illan Meslier’s horror show for Leeds last season.
The Frenchman was culpable at several points of the season, as his errors cost the Peacocks crucial points.
Luckily for the 25-year-old, his mistakes did not cost Leeds the title, but their triumph could have been made more comfortable.
| Illan Meslier’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 39 |
| Clean sheets | 21 |
| Goals conceded | 27 |
| Errors leading to goals | 3 |
| Goals prevented | -2.73 |
| Saves per game | 1.7 (71%) |
With that in mind, Leeds need a new number one between the sticks and have inadvertently been handed a boost by Burnley.
The Clarets are set to sign goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruhe, who will undergo his medical at Turf Moor today (23 June), according to Florian Plettenberg (22 June).
That move will almost certainly trigger James Trafford’s departure to Newcastle United, who have been chasing him for some time.
With Trafford likely to become Eddie Howe’s number one, Pope will have a decision to make on his immediate future.
Does he stay and fight for his place, or does he accept his St James’ Park future is over and sign for Leeds?
Pope must move to Leeds to become undisputed number one
A player of Pope’s quality simply cannot sit back and let Howe replace him in front of his very eyes.
While Howe will talk of competition for places, everyone knows that Trafford is Pope’s long-term successor, if he does sign.
Therefore, why would the 33-year-old want to waste his time sitting on the bench when he could be playing as number one at Elland Road?
Leeds have been linked with a move for Pope for some time as they search for a new number one in the Premier League, and the door could now be wide open.
If he were to move, then the Englishman would slot straight into the starting 11 and would have Elland Road behind him.
The League Cup winner has made over 200 appearances and has been capped 10 times at international level.
News of Burnley’s signing can only be a positive for Leeds, and they must act swiftly to sign their man.
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