After two wins from two, Daniel Farke can’t ask for a lot more from his Leeds United side. And he can’t ask for a lot more from the 49ers. Whilst the German continues to perform, the owners continue to spend big on fresh faces.
Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, James Trafford and Nico Elvedi have all arrived, with more additions potentially on the way before the deadline passes.
|
Leeds signings 26/27 |
Position |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Harry Wilson |
Winger |
Experienced Premier League attacker who adds creativity and goal threat. |
|
Tarik Muharemović |
Centre-back |
Young, physical defender with top-level experience. |
|
James Trafford |
Goalkeeper |
England international brought in to be Leeds’ long-term No.1. |
|
Nico Elvedi |
Centre-back |
Experienced Swiss international adding depth and leadership in defence. |
It’s a squad that many have tipped for great things, but one which is still not finished according to Farke.
The Leeds boss told reporters in the build-up to the Whites’ game against Brentford this weekend: “Of course, don’t want to lie. So there will be some decisions on the goalkeeper position.”
The German could not name any players, but it’s since become clear from reports that he was talking about Lucas Perri leaving for Serie A side Torino and Michael Zetterer arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The experienced shot-stopper has been in Leeds’ sights as they look for a shot-stopper to compete with James Trafford. At 31 years old, the 6’2 star would be an ideal backup, given that he was Frankfurt’s No.1 for the majority of the last campaign.
Whilst initial rumours indicated that Leeds would face a tough task luring Zetterer away from the German club, things have very quickly changed in their favour.
Leeds reach agreement to sign Zetterer
As reported by TeamTalk, Leeds have now reached an agreement to sign Zetterer with Eintracht Frankfurt. In a deal worth around £5m, the Whites are now awaiting the final green light from the goalkeeper on personal terms before booking a medical.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue even if there are some concerns about Zetterer’s willigness to play second fiddle behind Trafford.
It’s quite the U-turn from the Frankfurt man, whose representative initially insisted that he’s intent on remaining at Frankfurt, with the deal even at one point seemingly collapsing due to Frankfurt’s own squad planning. That stance simply did not last the test of time. Ever since Frankfurt have been open to his departure, there has been no problem on his end.
|
25/26 league stats per 90 |
Michael Zetterer |
James Trafford |
|---|---|---|
|
Games |
22 |
4 |
|
Clean sheets |
0.23 |
3.5 |
|
Saves |
2.87 |
3.5 |
|
Pass accuracy |
71.9% |
73.7% |
|
Save percentage |
65.6% |
70% |
The numbers make for good reading for those at Elland Road. From a goalkeeping disaster in recent years, the Whites are set to solve their problem with the addition of two players who could quite easily take the No.1 role if necessary.