Leeds United is basically starting over at the back this summer. And by starting over, I mean they’ve already lost one starter, they’re about to lose a backup goalkeeper, and they’re sniffing around Serie A for reinforcements.
The biggest domino fell when Pascal Struijk moved to Brighton for £20 million. That’s official now. The 25-year-old Dutch defender had been a regular for Leeds, so that’s a real hole to fill — not just in the lineup but in how they build out of the back.
Then there’s Karl Darlow. He’s heading to Manchester United on a free transfer, which should be finalized any day now. Darlow wasn’t the starter at Leeds, but he was a reliable veteran option. Losing him means the club needs a new No. 2 at minimum, and possibly a new No. 1 depending on how they feel about Illan Meslier long-term.
Goalkeeper targets are already being kicked around
Leeds has eyes on a few keepers. Zion Suzuki at Parma is one name that keeps popping up, and Manchester City’s James Trafford is another. Both are young, both have decent upside. Trafford spent last season on loan at Burnley and looked solid even if the Clarets didn’t set the world on fire. Suzuki’s more of a project but has the raw tools clubs love.
It’s not clear yet whether Leeds sees either as a starter or a backup. Probably depends on who else leaves and what the budget looks like after the Struijk sale.
The Sassuolo connection
On the defensive side, Leeds is interested in Tarik Muharemovic, a center-back at Sassuolo. He’s 22, Bosnia international, and the kind of player who fits the modern profile — comfortable on the ball, reads the game well, still developing. Sassuolo isn’t exactly a powerhouse these days, but they’ve produced some decent defenders over the years. Muharemovic could be a direct replacement for Struijk if the deal comes together.
Leeds might also move a couple of fringe guys. They need cover at left wing-back too, so don’t be surprised if another signing or two comes through before the window closes.
For now, the confirmed sale of Struijk and the likely exit of Darlow set the tone. This is a reset. The club isn’t just tinkering around the edges — they’re rebuilding the entire backline and goalie room in one window. Whether that works out depends on how quickly the new pieces settle in and whether the scouting department hits on the right guys.
The next few weeks should tell us a lot.
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