Goalkeeper Rob Green joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer of 2016, linking up with the Whites during the latter years of his professional career.
The now-retired 45-year-old featured in every single Championship outing during his only season as a player at Elland Road – catching the eye with his performances between the sticks.
He kept 15 clean sheets, the joint-third highest of any player in the division, but was unable to propel the side into the play-offs as they finished in seventh place.
Green would depart at the end of the 2016/17 season, with the club struggling to replace the former international after his departure – leading to their current goalkeeping situation.
However, this summer, boss Daniel Farke has the opportunity to end the goalkeeping situation, already targeting a move for one player when the window opens in a couple of months.
Leeds targeting move for PL goalkeeper
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are plotting a summer move for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who’s currently spending the season on loan at French side Strasbourg.
The 25-year-old cost the Blues £14m back in the summer of 2023, but has failed to break into the first-team given the added investment from the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.
The report claims that the Premier League outfit won’t consider any moves for the Serbian until the summer, giving boss Enzo Maresca a chance to evaluate the goalkeeping situation.
However, the Whites remain on red alert over a potential move in the summer, but it’s unclear whether any deal would be on a temporary or permanent basis.
Given Petrovic’s form in Europe this campaign, he would be a stellar addition to Farke’s side, certainly providing an upgrade on one player plying his trade in Yorkshire.
Why Petrovic would be an upgrade on Meslier for Leeds
Illan Meslier has been Farke’s first choice for Leeds between the sticks this season, a decision that may come back to bite the club come the end of the season.
The Frenchman has dropped numerous clangers throughout 2024/25, producing two errors in the most recent outing against Swansea City – with the side dropping two points as a result.
He’s also been accountable for various mistakes against the likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Hull City, with all of his failures taking multiple points away from their tally.
Promotion is undoubtedly still the aim for the Whites, but it’s safe to say that they would already have one foot in the Premier League if it wasn’t for the 25-year-old’s blunders.
Regardless of what division they find themselves in next season, reinforcements are desperately needed, with Petrovic providing the perfect upgrade on Meslier.
The Chelsea loanee, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, has managed to make more saves per 90, whilst also having a higher xG prevented – showcasing his shot-stopping ability.
He’s also managed to achieve a higher pass completion rate this campaign, more than capable of building attacks from the back should Farke demand that from the ‘keeper.
Games played
24
39
Goals conceded
29
27
Saves made
3.6
1.6
Shots on target faced
4.8
2.3
Pass accuracy
81%
79%
xG prevented
0.3
-2.7
Whilst it remains unclear how likely a move for Petrovic will be this summer, it’s evident that he would provide the quality between the sticks the side has been devoid of this campaign.
Regardless of whether a deal is completed for the 25-year-old, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back Farke in the market, handing him the funds to finally replace Meslier.
If the club were to achieve promotion in the next few weeks, his mistakes would be even more costly in the top-flight, with his errors undoubtedly pushing the Whites closer to an immediate return – especially considering the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.
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