Leeds United may well have to sign a new goalkeeper this summer with Karl Darlow’s future at Elland Road still in doubt – and Zion Suzuki has emerged as the club’s priority target.
Leeds finished the 2025-26 season with Karl Darlow in fine form. The veteran goalkeeper was replaced by new signing Lucas Perri last summer, but Darlow regained his spot in the starting XI during the season.
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Suzuki, Charles, Brandt and Wilson all linked.
With Darlow in goal and Perri impressing in the cup competitions after a poor start, Leeds looked settled between the sticks. But that could be set to change with Darlow’s contract at Leeds now having expired.
Both Man United and Tottenham have been linked with Wales no.1 Darlow, though Spurs have since signed Martin Dubravka. With Darlow’s contract expiring, Leeds could now need to sign a new keeper.
Zion Suzuki latest as Leeds eye Japan’s World Cup stopper
Suzuki has emerged as one of the best up-and-coming goalkeepers in European football, not least after a superb season with Parma in Serie A – but because he starred for Japan during their World Cup campaign.
Ao Tanaka made the mistake that led to Brazil’s 96th-minute winner in the round of 32, yet Suzuki did not deserve to be on the losing side. It comes after reports said Leeds wanted to sign Suzuki from Parma.
Now, reports from Italy say Leeds are pushing to get a deal done. Transfer expert Gianluigi Longari says Leeds are winning the race to get Suzuki and are even willing to go above £26m (€30m) to get him.
“Leeds is trying to close the deal for Zion Suzuki. They don’t want to squander the advantage they’ve built up and are willing to go beyond €30m. Other clubs are keeping tabs, with Leeds currently in the lead.”
For Perri, it is a concern. A £15.6m signing from Lyon, the Brazilian has had to remain patient on the sidelines but this is a goalkeeper that will not be willing to remain as back-up. Darlow could be that man.
But Perri is a goalkeeper who has broken into Brazil’s squad in recent call-ups. Any chance of Perri hoping for a second chance at Leeds is over, if Leeds sign a new goalkeeper, especially one of Suzuki’s calibre.
Parma have now replaced Suzuki amid Leeds United’s interest
Suzuki was always destined for bigger and better things than a relegation fight in Italy, and it appears that the Japan star is now moving to the Premier League. Aston Villa are also said to have shown interest.
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Parma have prepared for this, and spent around £5m to sign young goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara from Juventus. While that is yet to be confirmed, reports in Italy confirm it is a done deal, signing until 2031.
Clearly, Parma are preparing for Suzuki’s exit and all the reports in Italy state that Leeds are winning the race to land Suzuki. It could all depend on the fee, but if the reports are right, Leeds will pay the price.
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