🧤 Leeds United’s Goalkeeper Conundrum: Where Things Went Wrong, What Comes Next, and Why Time Is Running Out
As the summer transfer window enters a crucial stage, Leeds United find themselves staring down one of the most pivotal decisions of their Premier League campaign before a ball has even been kicked: who will be standing between the posts when the season begins?
For all of the recruitment work being done behind the scenes by the 49ers Enterprises-led ownership group, the failure to secure a new number-one goalkeeper is becoming a major concern. Having targeted top-level stoppers with Premier League and international experience, Leeds have watched as three high-profile goalkeeper pursuits have collapsed — and now find themselves pressed for time, clarity, and conviction.
From the collapse of the Nick Pope pursuit, to missing out on Marcin Bulka, and seeing Lucas Perri all but ruled out, it’s been a frustrating window in terms of addressing the club’s biggest weakness. And while alternatives like Stefan Ortega are still on the radar, obstacles remain — most notably, the financial ones.
Below, we examine how Leeds got to this point, the significance of the goalkeeper issue, why time is no longer on their side, and what options remain.
⚠️ The Problem at the Back: Why Leeds Must Replace Illan Meslier
Leeds’ need for a new goalkeeper didn’t suddenly emerge this summer — it’s been brewing over multiple seasons. Once seen as a promising young talent, Illan Meslier’s development has unfortunately stalled. The 24-year-old Frenchman has been heavily scrutinized for his shot-stopping inconsistency, lack of authority in commanding the box, and questionable distribution under pressure.
While he has enjoyed strong spells, Meslier has also been at the heart of several high-profile errors — moments that contributed significantly to Leeds’ previous relegation from the Premier League, and ones that nearly cost them promotion last season.
Under Daniel Farke, who values structure and reliability in his back five, the flaws in Meslier’s game have become more exposed. It’s no surprise, then, that Leeds made signing a more experienced, dependable goalkeeper a top priority this summer. But as of now, that pursuit has proven elusive.
❌ Three Targets, Three Dead Ends: The Failed Pursuits
- Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
Status: Off the table
Why it failed: Complexity, Newcastle’s stance, player’s cost
Nick Pope was the dream target — Premier League-tested, England international, and a leader with big-game experience. Leeds pushed persistently throughout early summer to assess the feasibility of a move, especially as Pope entered the final 12 months of his deal at Newcastle United.
There was hope when Newcastle fans began calling for the club to sign England U21 standout James Trafford, which might have pushed Pope toward the exit door. However, while the interest was real, the logistics were not simple. Newcastle weren’t under immediate pressure to sell, and any decision on Pope would depend entirely on securing a replacement.
In late June, Leeds insider Beren Cross confirmed that a deal for Pope was now off the table. Whether due to fee demands, wage expectations, or player ambition, it was deemed a non-starter. For Leeds, missing out on their top target was a significant setback — especially because Pope fit the club’s needs perfectly.
- Marcin Bulka (OGC Nice)
Status: Heading to Saudi Arabia
Why it failed: Player preference, competition from other clubs
Leeds also explored a move for Marcin Bulka, the Polish international who enjoyed a strong season with Nice in Ligue 1. Tall, agile, and still just 25, Bulka offered long-term potential with strong fundamentals.
However, Sunderland were reportedly ahead of Leeds in negotiations, and Bulka is now expected to move to the Saudi Pro League, specifically Neom FC. Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey stated that Leeds were never truly frontrunners, and interest was more speculative than substantial.
While Bulka may have been a less high-profile option than Pope, he would’ve fit the long-term strategy and arrived with European experience. Unfortunately, Leeds’ lack of urgency — or simply not being the player’s first choice — cost them again.
- Lucas Perri (Lyon)
Status: Not for sale
Why it failed: Lyon not forced to sell, player not on market
With Lyon facing relegation fears earlier this year, rumors began to swirl that the French club could be open to selling players like goalkeeper Lucas Perri in a cut-price fire sale. Leeds were linked with a potential £12.8 million move for the Brazilian, hoping to capitalize on Lyon’s supposed vulnerability.
However, Lyon’s situation stabilized. They avoided relegation and are now under no pressure to sell key players. Graeme Bailey noted that “there won’t be a fire sale” and that Perri is no longer considered a viable option for Leeds. Lyon appear content to keep their No.1 for at least another year.
✅ Still On the Table: Stefan Ortega – The Obvious but Tricky Solution
Amid the failed pursuits, one name stands out as both available and capable: Stefan Ortega of Manchester City.
After three seasons as Ederson’s backup, the German goalkeeper is reportedly open to leaving in search of regular football. At 31, Ortega is entering the prime years of his career. His technical ability, calmness under pressure, and command of the area make him an ideal fit for Daniel Farke’s system.
Why Ortega Makes Sense for Leeds:
Premier League proven
German-speaking, fits Farke’s coaching environment
Excellent shot-stopper and composed on the ball
Strong cup and European experience with City
The Problem? His wages.
Ortega earns a sizeable salary at City, and while Leeds are now back in the top flight, their wage structure is more conservative under the 49ers. Matching Ortega’s expectations may require creative incentives — or Ortega himself taking a pay cut to secure regular football and revive his career as a No.1.
Leeds are reportedly considering this, but it’s not clear how far talks have progressed. If they don’t move decisively soon, another club may seize the opportunity.
🗓️ The Clock Is Ticking: Leeds Can’t Delay Any Longer
Pre-season is fast approaching, and Leeds cannot afford to start the 2025/26 Premier League season without clarity in goal. The goalkeeper is the spine of the team — the one who communicates with the backline, initiates attacks, and is relied upon in tight games.
If the club wants to avoid another campaign defined by instability at the back, this issue must be resolved before the opening weekend.
🧠 Other Realistic Goalkeeper Options to Consider
If Ortega proves unattainable, here are five alternative options Leeds should explore quickly:
- Zack Steffen – Free Agent
Ex-Man City, Bundesliga and MLS experience
Free transfer, but high wages may apply
Needs redemption after rough patches at Boro and in Germany
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Palace may offload if they sign another keeper
Quality shot-stopper with PL experience
Costly, but worth it if a deal can be negotiated
- Freddie Woodman (Preston North End)
Strong Championship performances
Still just 27, could grow into the role
No PL experience, but affordable and English
- Alex McCarthy (Southampton)
Out of contract, available on a free
Steady, if unspectacular, Premier League experience
Could offer a short-term solution or backup option
- Altay Bayındır (Manchester United)
Turkey international, hardly played for United
Needs regular football, could be available on loan
Young, ambitious, but inconsistent
🧩 Conclusion: A Defining Summer Decision
Leeds United’s goalkeeper situation is the single most important issue facing the club this summer. With their top three targets off the table, the onus is now on the recruitment department to act quickly, decisively, and strategically.
A player like Stefan Ortega offers a rare blend of quality and availability, but time is running out. If Leeds cannot land Ortega, they must pivot immediately to other options — ideally before pre-season begins — to ensure their defence isn’t destabilized yet again.
The 49ers want a sustainable, ambitious Leeds project in the Premier League. That project starts with a confident, commanding goalkeeper — and right now, Leeds still don’t have one.