Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Dmytro Riznyk: 96% Leeds target shows he's the perfect replacement for exit-bound Lucas Perri

Evan Lloyd

Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.

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Dmytro Riznyk is reportedly at the top of Leeds United's list for a new goalkeeper this summer as they look to replace Lucas Perri.

The Ukrainian featured for Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday as they were beaten 2-1 by Crystal Palace and knocked out of the Conference League at the semi-final stage.

Riznyk will have one year remaining on his contract this summer and has been identified as a strong replacement for Perri.

The Whites signed the Brazilian last summer but are already open to selling him in the coming weeks, after a dismal season that has now seen Karl Darlow reclaim the number one shirt.

Leeds transfer chiefs would have been paying close attention as Riznyk featured at Selhurst Park on Thursday.

Dmytro Riznyk demonstrates ability vs Crystal Palace

Leeds reportedly bid £8.6million for Riznyk last week, as they attempt to jump the queue for the Ukrainian goalkeeper.

The 27-year-old's contract situation should mean the shot-stopper is available in a cut-price deal this summer, with several clubs likely to be interested.

Dmytro RiznykStats vs Crystal Palace (A)
Minutes played90
Saves4
Goals prevented1.59
Accurate passes22/23
Recoveries9

The Ukraine international caught the eye in last week's game against Palace, after he made a spectacular double save to keep the Premier League side out.

On Thursday, it was a similar story for Rizynk, who impressed at various points but could do little to stop the strikes that did go in.

The first came just moments after the goalkeeper had made a great save to deny Adam Wharton, with Daniel Munoz's cross deflecting off Pedro Henrique and in for an own-goal.

The second saw Tyrick Mitchell's cross poked in by Ismaila Sarr, with Riznyk forced to watch as it trickled in off the post.

But there were positives for the Shakhtar man, who made four saves, prevented 0.59 goals and completed 96 per cent of his passes.

Lucas Perri isolation continues

There had been huge excitement around Perri when Leeds signed him last summer, but that faded quickly when the goalkeeper conceded five in just second game.

The Brazilian spent a chunk of the early season out injured and failed to show a much better standard on his return.

Conceding four to Newcastle in January was the final straw for Daniel Farke, with Perri's only appearances since coming in the FA Cup.

With Darlow in place and another goalkeeper incoming this summer, it appears clear that the 28-year-old will leave Elland Road this summer.

Leeds will hope to get a chunk of the reported £13m they paid for Perri, but they will be lucky to receive anywhere near the same fee back.

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