Leeds United could be after a new goalkeeper in the summer but Carlton Palmer believes one shot-stopper linked with a move to Elland Road is better off joining Sheffield United.
Illan Meslier is set to win the Championship’s golden glove after keeping an impressive 19 clean sheets but that does not tell the whole story. The Frenchman has come in for criticism over the last few weeks.
In his last three games, Meslier has conceded eight goals from just 12 shots on target including four to QPR last Friday which has pretty much ended any hope Leeds had of clinging onto second position.
Meslier has always come in for criticism from sections of the Leeds fans, whether that be his distribution as a ball-playing goalkeeper, shots often flying in at his near post or being weak from some set-pieces.
Leeds could opt to replace Meslier who was the subject of interest from Celta Vigo last summer. That interest is sure to remain in a modern goalkeeper who has achieved more clean sheets than anyone else.
A replacement could come in the form of Rotherham stopper Viktor Johansson with Leeds said to be keen on taking advantage of The Millers’ relegation by activating a £1m exit clause in Johansson’s deal.
But former Leeds midfielder Palmer has other ideas, suggesting a move to Stoke or Chris Wilder’s Blades would be better for “wonderful” Sweden international Johansson.
Viktor Johansson told to join Sheffield United over Leeds
He told Football League World: “The problem is, Leeds already have a first choice keeper in the form of Meslier. If they were to go ahead with the purchase of Rotherham’s no.1, one would have to miss out.
“I personally can’t believe that Johansson would settle for being a back-up to Meslier in that Leeds team after such a stellar season. Sheffield United could also be another club in there,” Palmer continued.
“They have shuffled their goalkeeping pack this season and could do so once again with relegation now confirmed. Wherever he goes next season, he will be a Championship goalkeeper, I am sure of that.”
What Steve Evans has said about a move for Johansson now
Speaking after Rotherham’s penultimate game in which he dropped Johansson for back-up ace Dillon Phillips, former Leeds boss and current Rotherham manager Evans said he expects Johansson to leave.
He predicted a “life-changing move” for Johansson with Leeds interested: “The chances are that, with the huge interest in him, Viktor will leave in the summer. It will probably be a life-changing move for the kid.”
Realistically, the only way Leeds do move for Johansson this summer is if Meslier departs. That may hinge on whether the Elland Road side can gain promotion to the Premier League, likely from the play-offs.
