Good Morning. It's Tuesday 13th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Leeds could blow a third of their budget on a keeper Liverpool shot stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, has been given the green light to pursue a move away from Anfield this summer, with Leeds United emerging as strong contenders for his signature. The Republic of Ireland international has been linked with a move to Elland Road for months, with speculation intensifying following their triumphant return to the top flight. Kelleher, currently serves as understudy to Alisson Becker at Liverpool, but the impending arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili could push Kelleher further down the pecking order, potentially hindering his development and limiting his playing time even more. However, Leeds will face stiff competition in their pursuit of the Irish International. Newcastle United and Bournemouth are among the other clubs expected to be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer. This heightened interest could drive up the price for Kelleher, who is reportedly valued by Liverpool at around £40 million, despite having twelve months left on his contract. While Kelleher is undoubtedly a class player, spending such a large sum on a goalkeeper might be a gamble, especially when other pressing needs exist within the squad. If Newcastle, with their significant financial backing, are also vying for Kelleher, Leeds might be wise to explore alternative options. please log in to view this image Do Leeds need to splash out big on a shot-stopper Leeds United face a crucial summer transfer window, with a speculated budget of £100m-£150m. While Caoimhin Kelleher is a talented goalkeeper, splashing a significant portion of their funds on him presents a considerable gamble, especially given other urgent squad needs. Kelleher undoubtedly possesses talent, but committing a large sum to acquire him would be a gamble. This is particularly true if Leeds find themselves in a bidding war with clubs like Newcastle United, who boast far greater financial muscle. Engaging in such a battle could leave other vital areas of the team underfunded. Instead of focusing solely on Kelleher, Leeds should explore alternative, potentially more cost-effective options. Newcastle's rumored interest in the Liverpool keeper could open the door for Leeds to potentially pursue keepers like Nick Pope, or even Martin Dúbravka, who would be cheaper and still provide Premiership quality. Furthermore, this summer presents a unique opportunity to acquire experienced goalkeepers on free transfers. A number of seasoned professionals will be available without a transfer fee, offering Leeds a chance to add quality and leadership without breaking the bank. Names like Wojciech Szczesny, Angus Gunn, David de Gea, Léo Jardim, Walter Benítez, Alex Meret, Hugo Lloris, Danny Ward and Fraser Forster are all potential targets. While some of these players may be approaching the twilight of their careers, they still possess a wealth of experience and could offer valuable stability between the posts. A shrewd acquisition from this free agent pool could allow Leeds to allocate their resources more effectively across the squad, addressing other pressing needs and maximizing their chances of success in the upcoming season. please log in to view this image
Morning all. We're not paying 40m for anyone. Sorry to burst bubbles. Id imagine it'll be another few weeks before any incoming player announcements. The 49ers seem to take their time based on previous signings and seems to be a good thing
I’d like to say how pleased I am a fellow Yorkshire team is progressing in the play offs. My pleasure has nothing to do with having money on Sheffield U to be promoted.
I don't think there's any way we're spending £40m on a keeper, especially one that's only got 12 months on his contract, he's not worth that amount regardless. Newcastle looking at Trafford apparently. Pope would be a great signing, plays regularly in the Premier , knows what it's about and is a very good keeper. I just have this feeling we'll get Ramsdale though. Personally I'd rather big money went on a 9,10 and CB.
What we need from a keeping perspective in my view is: - 'safe hands' - decent distribution People get focussed on the odd great save or the odd obvious blunder, but you just want a keeper who's reliable. That means they get their positioning right, they get their decision making right... if they come for a cross they clear it, if they parry a shot they parry it away from goal. Everything that Meslier wasn't. Darlow made a few dubious decisions, his saving grace for me was he at least committed to them. How much is that all worth? Actually its worth a hell of a lot in my view for two reasons. Firstly it settles the defence in front of them and reduced nervousness. Secondly, the difference on number of goals v expected goals against is huge between the 'best' and 'worst' keepers. Some of that is luck, quality of finishing etc but a good keeper can be more influential on results than a good striker that people will pay £50m+ for. By way of example, the difference between the top keeper (Fulham) and worst, (Southampton) in our relegation year was 31 goals. The difference between Everton and us that year was 16 goals. Pickford 4th best, Meslier 2nd worst. Everton finished 5 points clear of us. That's staying up v relegation decided by 1 position. And that's only one metric - saves. I'm not saying spend £40m on a keeper. Just pay what we need for a good one, because he's going to be busy.
Afternoon all New players in - I think for PSR accounting there is an important date in June, it’s quite possible we announce departures first
So some of you clearly believe we will pay 40m for someone. Gonna be some disappointed heads come September. We’re not even in that ball park
Good afternoon all. Have to disagree with some of you on here, I’d say that a new goalkeeper is the most urgent priority to fill. Think back because Mes nearly cost us automatic promotion, we’d have had around 109 points without his bowlers and I also think we need better quality than Darlow. As Milky pointed out, Pickford has arguably saved Everton from relegation two seasons running.
Trying to watch this se on play off and it’s painful stuff. Hard to see anyone but the blunts winning them which in fairness would be fair enough
Thought that was a great game myself. Coventry a little unlucky over two legs but that's play off football for you. Sunderland vs Sheff Utd in the final. A fair reflection on the league table so I suppose it's the best outcome. I'm guessing we're all Sunderland though in the final.
