Leeds United are now in talks over a move for the highly-rated goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier, according to a report.
Illan Meslier should be replaced
It’s hard not to feel sympathy for Meslier, who was left in tears after the mistake that cost Leeds all three points away at Sunderland earlier this season, but his mistakes are starting to hamper his side’s push for promotion.
There was visible frustration from the goalkeeper’s teammates after another horror display in the 3-3 draw against Hull City last time out, and the manager Daniel Farke now he started looking for potential replacements.
According to a report from Spain, Leeds have identified the goalkeeper as a necessary signing as they look to secure promotion from the Championship, and River Plate’s Conan Ledesma could be on his way to Elland Road.
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The report says talks are “not yet closed”, with wording suggesting the Whites have discussed the terms of a deal but have so far failed to reach an agreement, with rumors of a possible offer now intensifying.
The 31-year-old has a proven track record that makes him an ideal target for Leeds, and there are signs he could leave River Plate in the near future, having failed to replace Franco Armani in the starting XI.
The former Cadiz player has barely had first-team opportunities, meaning he is now considering his options.
Why Leeds need a new goalkeeper
Meslier’s mistakes that led to direct goals cost the Whites seven points already this season, and only those that are officially counted as errors in the statistics. That could be crucial in the fight for automatic promotion, although they remain near the top of the table for now.
As such, Farke must replace the Frenchman this month, and there are signs that Ledesma could be a fantastic replacement, given how much he was praised during his time with Cadiz in La Liga.
The Argentine was a key player for Cadiz in La Liga before returning to his homeland, proving his worth with some fantastic saves during the 2022-23 season.
Although Leeds are in a good position to return to the Premier League at the moment, Meslier’s confidence must be dented given how many mistakes he has made, and the signing of the more experienced Ledesma is likely to give Farke’s side a better chance of winning promotion.
