Leeds United turn to £8m Ligue 1 goalkeeper after missing out on Nick Pope and Caoimhin Kelleher

Add as preferred source on Google

A new goalkeeper will be a priority for Leeds United this summer after Daniel Farke dropped Illan Meslier for the last seven games during the 2024-25 Championship campaign.

Meslier is now expected to leave. Phil Hay thinks he is done at Leeds, while Leeds are said to be offering Meslier to clubs around Europe. Leeds need a new goalkeeper with Karl Darlow returning as back-up.

Plenty of goalkeepers have been linked with Leeds. After Caoimhin Kelleher snubbed Leeds to join Thomas Frank’s Brentford, Leeds were immediately linked with Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope.

But England international Pope has no intention of leaving Newcastle. Sam Johnstone is said to be keen on a move to Yorkshire but now, Leeds have shown interest in Angers and Ivory Coast ace Yahia Fofana.

• READ MORE: Three left-backs that Leeds could sign including a 2020 Marcelo Bielsa target

Leeds turn to £8m-rated Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana

An 18-time Ivory Coast international, Fofana is a target for Leeds after helping Angers achieve Ligue 1 safety. During 2024-25, Fofana kept seven clean sheets in 33 games for Angers – conceding 51 times.

The Angers goalkeeper is currently Ivory Coast’s first-choice goalkeeper despite being born in Paris. Africa Foot say Leeds are interested in a deal, and have been told that Angers want an £8m fee for Fofana.

The goalkeeper is about to enter the final year of his contract at Angers, and the French side are ready to cash in. They are attempting to avoid losing Fofana on a free transfer in 12 months’ time, in 2026.

How Yahia Fofana and Illan Meslier’s 2024-25 seasons compare

With Meslier set to leave, Leeds need a new no.1. Supporters would argue Darlow is actually first choice now, but the chances are that come the start of the Premier League season – a new goalkeeper will play.

Meslier’s numbers might be a whole lot better in 2024-25, but given Fofana played in France’s top tier for a side that finished in 14th place of 18, just two points above the drop zone at the end of the season.

Meslier v Fofana in 2024-25:

If Leeds are looking to save a bit of cash, then landing £8m Fofana would be a bargain. Other clubs are interested with Newcastle United among those to consider a move as Pope’s future is still in the balance.