Soccer Football - Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - January 2, 2021 Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa Pool via REUTERS/Ian Walton EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Levante goalkeeper Daniel Cardenas this summer, as they look to replace Kiko Casilla.
The Lowdown: Backup to Meslier required
Marcelo Bielsa will be working hard on improving his squad this summer, ensuring there is depth all over the pitch, as the Whites look to improve on last season’s ninth-place finish in the Premier League.
Casilla joined Elche on a season-long loan deal earlier in the week, meaning a backup ‘keeper is required to fill in for the 34-year-old Spaniard.
The Latest: Cardenas linked with Leeds move
According to Levante-EMVÂ [via Sport Witness], Cardenas has emerged as a candidate to come in this summer, with the 24-year-old making eight appearances in La Liga last season.
The Spaniard’s current deal expires next summer, but the Spanish club are keen on extending his stay until 2025.
This is not the first goalkeeper Leeds have been linked to since Casilla’s departure, with Kristoffer Klaesson and Freddie Woodman also mentioned recently.
The Verdict: One of them must sign
Admittedly, Cardenas doesn’t possess a huge amount of experience, not yet appearing 10 times in La Liga, but he could be a solid deputy for Meslier.
He has still played in one of Europe’s top divisions, and at 24, he should be years away from hitting his prime, considering goalkeepers often peak later than outfield players.
Should Cardenas refuse a new contract at Levante, the La Liga side may feel that now is the right time to sell him, instead of losing him for free next year.
Failing this, Klaesson and Woodman appear to be viable candidates, and the Whites simply must secure an able deputy for the ever-improving Meslier.
In other news, an incredible statistic has emerged regarding one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.
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