Leeds United credited with interest in Parma and Japan star Zion Suzuki amid Aston Villa links
Leeds United credited with interest in Aston Villa-linked Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki
Leeds United have been credited with interest in Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The 23-year-old plies his trade in Italy with Parma and is currently representing Japan at the World Cup.
He was the stopper of choice for their tournament opener last week, helping his country secure a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. Aston Villa have been linked with the goalkeeper, who has collected 25 senior caps.
Leeds United linked with Japan goalkeeper
Leeds have now been thrown in the mix by Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, who has claimed the Whites have taken a look at Suzuki.
Posting on X, he said: “The Premier League is looking with great interest at Zion Suzuki from Parma. In addition to the already known scouting by Aston Villa, Leeds is also gathering information. Interest set to grow.”
Leeds will be in the habit of assessing players in the early stages of the summer transfer window, and scouting does not always lead to bidding.
Goalkeeping uncertainty at Leeds United
However, amid uncertainty in the club’s goalkeeping department, the Whites may need to enter the market soon.
Karl Darlow has not yet been tied to a new contract with less than a fortnight remaining on his current deal. Doubt has been cast upon the future of Lucas Perri and the departure of Illan Meslier has already been confirmed. Even last season’s fourth-choice goalkeeper, Alex Cairns, is out of contract at the end of the month.
A move to Elland Road would reunite Suzuki with his international teammate Ao Tanaka, who has been on the books in LS11 since 2024.
Leeds have also been linked with Japan marksman Ayase Ueda, who enjoyed a goal-laden 2025/26 season in the Netherlands with Feyenoord.
Suzuki, Tanaka and Ueda could all be in action on Sunday (June 21), when Japan face Tunisia in their second group game.