Leeds United may have already found their replacement for Illan Meslier in ‘excellent’ star

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Leeds United are scouring the market for a new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier this summer, and promotion to the Premier League opens up new possibilities.

Although Leeds secured promotion back to England’s top-flight last week, it’s been a terrible campaign for goalkeeper Meslier.

The Frenchman has made a catalogue of errors, including two in one game against Swansea City, which cost his side all three points and his place in the starting lineup.

Karl Darlow has since starred for Leeds after replacing the 25-year-old, with Meslier’s future at Elland Road uncertain heading into the transfer window.

Leeds were linked with an ambitious move for James Trafford, although Burnley joining them in the Premier League has ruled out that possibility, and now the Whites are looking in one of Europe’s big five leagues.

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Leeds eyeing Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen to replace Illan Meslier

A new goalkeeper is one of the most important positions Daniel Farke can strengthen in the transfer window, as he knows the amount of pressure they’ll be under against world-class opponents.

According to SportBild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are tracking Augsburg shot-stopper Finn Dahmen as a potential replacement for Meslier.

The 27-year-old has established himself as a fine goalkeeper in the Bundesliga, with manager Jess Thorup praising Dahmen as ‘excellent’ in March.

The Augsburg gloveman has kept an incredible nine clean sheets in just 16 appearances this term after being thrust into the starting lineup.

Interestingly, Dahmen is also eligible to play for England, despite starring for Germany from U15 to U21 level, with a move to the Premier League perhaps boosting his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

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Dahmen would be a solid addition

Dahmen’s contract at Augsburg expires in 2027 but while there is no mention of an asking price, it will be interesting to see if Leeds go in for him.

Since they’ve also been linked with Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, Farke seemingly wants to address this position early in the window so he can focus his efforts elsewhere.

In the shape of Dahmen, they would be capturing someone with incredible reflexes and a top quality distribution, two attributes that are desired in the Premier League.

Also, at the end of March, the Augsburg man broke into the Bundesliga’s all-time list for minutes without conceding a goal, having gone 683 minutes without letting in a single goal.

That is an impressive statistic in itself, and one which suggests he has the expertise to replace Meslier and become an instant hit at Elland Road.