Leeds United’s next priority in the transfer market has got to be a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow left the club for Manchester United – and the latest shot-stopper’s stats are impressive.
A goalkeeper was always expected to be a problem position for Leeds this summer. Darlow was out of contract, and Leeds could not promise Wales’ no.1 a starting spot. It has seen him move to Old Trafford.
How do you feel about Darlow joining Manchester United?
He joins the likes of Cantona and Ferdinand…
The backlash from Leeds fans is expected, with Darlow choosing Man United despite the rivalry between the two sides. It leaves Leeds with Lucas Perri in goal, who struggled following his move from Lyon.
He did redeem himself in the FA Cup, producing heroics against Birmingham City and West Ham United. But Perri is the subject of interest from Serie A side Torino, and Leeds are likely to bring a new one in.
Leeds now considering move for USG goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen
The Whites have been strongly linked with a whole host of shot-stoppers. Goalkeepers like Zion Suzuki and James Trafford have been touted with a move to Leeds, but nothing has materialised as of yet.
With Trafford now at home after providing back-up at the World Cup, progress could be made with Man City if Enzo Maresca’s side are willing to do business. But another name has emerged on Leeds’ radar.
Sky Sports journalist Ben Heckner reports that Leeds are battling Ipswich Town for Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. It comes after a stunning year for USG, keeping 21 clean sheets in 43 games.
The 26-year-old, who has been called up by the Netherlands in the past 12 months but was not a part of Ronald Koeman’s World Cup squad, only conceded 38 goals last term. Leeds are interested in a deal.
Why Scherpen is a huge improvement on Darlow and Perri
Scherpen might have played in a side that finished second in Belgium’s top tier last season, but he also played in the Champions League. That’s what makes his 21 clean sheets in 43 appearances so impressive.
But it is his specific stats that prove he would be a better signing than both Darlow and Perri, judging by their 2025-26 form. Scherpen boasted better goals conceded per 90 and save percentage last season.
| Statistic (Per 90) | Kjell Scherpen | Lucas Perri | Karl Darlow |
| Total Appearances (Mins) | 43 (3,675′) | 18 (1,620′) | 24 (2,160′) |
| Goals Conceded per 90 | 0.91 | 1.83 | 1.25 |
| Saves per 90 | 1.91 | 2.50 | 3.08 |
| Save Percentage (Save%) | 74.3% | 57.7% | 71.2% |
| Clean Sheets per 90 | 0.44 | 0.22 | 0.25 |
Bought for £1.5m, 6ft 8in Scherpen would be a cheap alternative to Trafford and given £15.6m was spent on Perri, fixing the problem is better done on for as little as possible. He would be an excellent addition.
Leeds have signed two players as things stand, in Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham and Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo. The latter is Leeds’ second most expensive transfer ever, at a huge £34m.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
