The truth behind the Leeds and Michael Zetterer transfer saga revealed by Sky Sports Germany journalist

Leeds United may not be as close to signing Michael Zetterer as first thought.

It's widely reported that Daniel Farke is looking to add another goalkeeper to his Leeds ranks before the 1 September deadline.

However, with Lucas Perri yet to finalise his exit, the Whites are currently in somewhat of a state of transfer limbo.

Zetterer's name has been touted with Leeds in recent weeks, with the Eintracht Frankfurt man ending last season as their number one keeper.

Young Brazilian shot-stopper Kaua appears to have taken over from the 31-year-old though, leaving him as the backup moving forward.

That he may well continue to be in 2026-27, but in West Yorkshire rather than in Germany.

How Leeds-linked Michael Zetterer really feels about leaving Frankfurt

German newspaper Bild reported on Tuesday that Leeds had agreed a deal with Frankfurt for Zetterer.

As a result, the expectation was that his move to Elland Road would be completed shortly.

But all is not as it seems according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Writing to his X account on Tuesday, Leeds do still intend to sign Zetterer to fill their backup goalkeeper role.

However, he claims no such agreement has been agreed between any of the parties involved.

Intriguingly, Plettenberg claims that the wage packet he's currently receiving at Frankfurt would be more lucrative than the one Leeds could give him.

As a result, it's stated that as of right now, Zetterer isn't pushing to leave the German side, and instead, wants to stay and fight for the starting job there.

Plettenberg claims that unless something significant changes by way of offers for him, then he's set to remain where he is beyond this summe

So, what is Zetter's contract situation in Frankfurt, and does it work for or against Leeds in their attempts to convince him on a move?

Why Leeds don't hold the cards for Zetterer

Having only joined Frankfurt from Werder Bremen last summer, Zetterer is still very much new to his team.

But aged 30 at the time of his move, how willing were Frankfurt to hand him a long-term deal?

As it happens, they were very much prepared to do so, inking him to a four-year deal.

Zetterer is tied down in Frankfurt until the summer of 2029, meaning Leeds aren't in a position to use his contract status as a bargaining chip.

So, as long as he and Frankfurt are happy with his situation there, Farke may have to quickly go back to the goalkeeping drawing board ahead of the deadline.