Huge upgrade on Meslier: Leeds big move for "world-class" GK
da bet7k： Leeds United have a huge task on their hands this summer to try and make the right additions regardless of what division they will be playing their football in next season.
da realbet： With just a handful of games remaining, Daniel Farke’s men still sit within the Championship’s automatic promotion places, with their destiny still in their own hands.
If they were to claim a return to the Premier League, a handful of additions would be needed to strengthen the first-team squad to prevent an immediate return to England’s second tier.
It remains to be seen how much money the 49ers will invest in the squad in the next couple of months, but it’s a huge window for Farke to make the additions he needs to take his side to the next level.
One thing is for sure, the Whites desperately need reinforcements in one area of the pitch, with a player emerging on the club’s radar over the last couple of days.
Leeds plot summer move for PL star
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of several sides in the race to land Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale this summer should they drop into the Championship.
The 26-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Newcastle United and Bournemouth, with the shot-stopper having a relegation release clause in his contract.
He’s been unable to prevent the Saints from sitting at the foot of the table, keeping just two clean sheets in his 21 Premier League outings in 2024/25 to date.
The report claims that the Whites have the England international at the top of their shortlist this summer, but any move for him will purely depend on whether they achieve promotion this season.
It’s safe to say that a deal for Ramsdale would inject a sense of excitement in the fanbase, providing an upgrade on the options currently at Farke’s disposal throughout the current season.
Why Ramsdale would be an upgrade on Meslier
Current number one Illan Meslier has endured a torrid few weeks between the sticks, often producing a mistake or two which has prevented the club from claiming more points in their hunt for promotion.
The Frenchman was at fault for both goals in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City last weekend, with his errors undoubtedly costing the side two points after Wilfried Gnonto’s stoppage-time strike.
He’s now conceded 27 goals this campaign, with a goal prevented xG of -2.73, undoubtedly holding the side back from reaching the next level under Farke’s guidance.
Whilst Ramsdale has struggled to prevent the club from sitting bottom of the table this year, he’s still managed to produce some incredible numbers – many of which blow Meslier out of the water.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper, who’s previously been labelled “world-class” by journalist Dan George, may have conceded more goals this season but has made more saves given the opportunities he’s faced.
How Ramsdale compares to Meslier in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (Per 90)
Ramsdale
Meslier
Games played
21
39
Goals conceded
50
27
Shots on target faced
6.6
2.2
Saves made
4.2
1.6
Short passes completed
100%
99.6%
Crosses prevented
0.9
0.8
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more short passes than Meslier, having the ability to play out from the back and prevent similar mistakes to those made by the current number one this season.
Whilst Ramsdale has previously failed to deliver against Leeds, conceding to Patrick Bamford when the Whites last previously featured in the top flight, he’s managed to feature consistently after his move to the south coast.
The club can’t afford to enter another top-flight with Meslier between the sticks given his recent mistakes, potentially costing them a chance of survival.
Whilst they would likely have a battle for his signature this summer, it would be a signing that would massively bolster the squad, handing Farke the tools he needs to succeed in Yorkshire.
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