‘Leeds monitor Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner as club make Illan Meslier decision’
Leeds United have eyed a move for Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner as Daniel Farke makes his decision on Illan Meslier’s future.
Meslier made a series of errors in the Championship last term and was subsequently dropped for the last seven games of the second-tier season, with former back-up choice Karl Darlow helping the Whites to the league title.
Meanwhile, after the Elland Road club clinched promotion to the Premier League, Farke has been strengthening his ranks in the summer transfer window.
The German has now turned his attention to signing a new goalkeeper, while Leeds have already signed defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, fellow centre-back Jaka Bijol, and striker Lukas Nmecha.
Leeds eye Zentner as search for Meslier replacement intensifies
The West Yorkshire club’s transfer activity indicates that Farke has his mind set on acquiring a Meslier upgrade this summer.
Leeds were arguably lucky that the 25-year-old’s mistakes between the sticks did not cost them in their promotion race last season.
But the Elland Road side will need a safer pair of hands in goal as they look to seal Premier League survival next campaign.
Reporting via X on Friday, 4 July, The Athletic’s Leeds United writer, Beren Cross, revealed: “Leeds United are pursuing a goalkeeper and Lyon’s Lucas Perri is one of several names on their shortlist. Brazilian was their number one last season. No bid or talks as yet.
“Lyon currently in limbo regarding league status for next season. Leeds monitoring that situation.
“Robin Zentner at Mainz is understood to be another goalkeeper among the options United have shortlisted in the position.”
Zentner would be a strong acquisition for Farke
Football Insider verdict
Zentner has been an incredibly loyal servant to his current club, Mainz, and has only ever played for the Bundesliga side since making his debut for their second team in 2013/14, barring loan stints with Holstein Kiel in 2015/16 and 2016/17.
| Robin Zentner stats | Bundesliga 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Saves | 102 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
But the 30-year-old should now be ready for the challenge posed by the Premier League, while Leeds need a new man between the sticks to avoid an unwanted Championship return.
Zentner proved his class last season by maintaining nine clean sheets in 32 Bundesliga appearances, helping Bo Henriksen’s men seal a Conference League qualification spot and their highest league finish in the German top flight since 2016.
The goalkeeper helped Mainz defeat high-calibre opponents such as Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig last season, and should have what it takes to help Leeds hold their own in the Premier League next season.
Meanwhile, the Whites have been tipped to sign Ben Chilwell in an MOT Leeds News exclusive.