Leeds United’s next transfer priority is obvious after finally signing Sean Longstaff
Leeds United have completed the signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United but their work remains far from done.
The Premier League season is looming large on the horizon and Leeds United’s squad is starting to take shape after finally completing the signing of Sean Longstaff on Friday night.
After having their initial £12m bid rejected, Leeds have agreed to a £15m package for Longstaff with Newcastle and the midfielder has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Elland Road.
Longstaff has become Leeds’ fifth signing of the transfer window, following Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson to the club.
Leeds have only spent around £45m on all five players, so still have plenty of room in their budget for additional signings, which will be needed.
Another midfielder in the form of Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach is also being targeted, but Leeds’ next transfer priority must be on a new goalkeeper.
Leeds United must solve the goalkeeper situation
Leeds’ biggest issue going into the summer transfer window was between the sticks. The fact that it remains the case at this point is concerning.
Illan Meslier lost his place in the side in April after his costly mistakes against Swansea City finally broke Daniel Farke’s resolve.
The fact that he isn’t good enough for the Premier League was common knowledge way before that.
Karl Darlow did an admirable job in getting Leeds over the line when he stepped up for the remaining six games, but the Welshman is unlikely to be cut out for the top flight either.
Yet, despite being linked with countless goalkeepers, Leeds have still not signed one.
The likes of Finn Dahmen, Caoimin Kelleher, Nick Pope, Djordje Petrovic, James Trafford and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic were all linked but are either staying with their clubs or heading elsewhere, drastically reducing the quality and quantity of options now available.
Goalkeepers Leeds could sign:
- Luca Perri – Lyon
- Sonne Lemmens – Royal Antwerp
- Dominik Livakovic – Fenerbahce
- Robin Zentner – Mainz
- Noel Tornqvist – Mjallby
- Daniel Peretz – Bayern Munich
- Sam Johnstone – Wolves
- Aaron Ramsdale – Southampton
There are still some intriguing names on the market but they are drying up. The longer Leeds go without finally signing one, the less likely the situation is to be resolved.
A goalkeeper, especially, will benefit from pre-season fixtures in which he can grow an understanding with the defenders in front of him. Time is running out on that front, too.
If Leeds don’t sign a goalkeeper soon, they risk their campaign getting off to a poor start.
Leeds United still need to sign a striker
Though another midfielder like Stach will certainly come in handy for Leeds, it shouldn’t be the priority over another striker.
Despite winning the Championship Golden Boot last term, it remains to be seen if Joel Piroe can make the step up to the top level. His long dry spells suggest not.
Nmecha has quality but his injury record is worrying, while Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph are back-up options at best.
A quality striker with a proven record of scoring at the highest level is required. If not, then at least another talented option. Some options include:
Strikers Leeds could sign:
- Rodrigo Muniz – Fulham
- Timothy Weah – Juventus
- Callum Wilson – Free agent
- Gonzalo Garcia – Real Madrid
In addition, a new playmaker, winger and back-up full-back would all come in handy before deadline day to ensure there are no holes in the squad.
It’s going to be a busy few weeks.
