'Crucial' - Leeds United boss Daniel Farke's goalkeeper admission as Manchester City's James Trafford lined up
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has discussed the importance of goalkeepers as the Whites work to sign James Trafford
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has outlined the importance of having a strong goalkeeper as he awaits the addition of James Trafford to his ranks.
Reports have indicated Trafford is closing in on a move to Leeds after a year playing second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma at Manchester City.
Goalkeeper has been a problem position of late for Leeds, who forked out £15.6m to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon last summer only for the Brazilian to lose his spot between the sticks in January.
The man who dislodged Perri - Karl Darlow - recently made a free transfer switch to Manchester United.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke on goalkeeper importance
During an appearance on the Men in Blazers podcast, Farke spoke candidly of the need to have quality between the sticks.
He said: “There are definitely a few very important positions in football. You need a top striker, top centre-backs, it’s important to have someone in the middle of the park who is there with top quality.
“A strong number one goalkeeper is also in this role. Your core bones in a team have to be strong. You can take a few more risks on the winger position but the number one goalkeeper is crucial because he saves you points.
“Especially as a side who is just on the way to establishing themselves at Premier League level. You need at least a really good number one, maybe even top-class, this is what all clubs in our position are aiming for and so it’s really important.”
Leeds United’s goalkeeper headaches
Farke is three years into his Leeds reign and has had plenty of goalkeeper-related headaches during his time at the helm.
Illan Meslier secured a spot in the Championship Team of the Season at the end of Farke’s maiden campaign, but struggled for consistency in the following term.
A series of blunders pushed the Frenchman down the pecking order and Darlow was the stopper of choice when Leeds clinched the Championship title in May 2025.
Meslier left West Yorkshire upon the expiry of his contract in June and has since linked up with Premier League champions Arsenal.
Perri was earmarked as Meslier’s successor but after a difficult debut season in England, appears set for a move to Torino.