Godwin ObajeLeeds United Eye 6ft 4 Mainz Stopper as Goalkeeper Search Steps Up
Leeds United are casting their net wide in search of a new goalkeeper this summer, with Mainz’s towering shot-stopper Robin Zentner emerging as the latest target.
The Whites are back in the Premier League after storming to the Championship title with 100 points last season, but Daniel Farke and the club’s 49ers ownership know survival will demand more than momentum. With question marks still hanging over Illan Meslier’s future, the search for a commanding presence between the posts has jumped to the top of the recruitment agenda.
According to The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Beren Cross, Zentner has now joined a shortlist of potential new number ones. The 30-year-old German stands at an imposing 6ft 4 and comes off the back of an impressive campaign with Mainz in the Bundesliga, where he kept nine clean sheets in 34 appearances and helped the club secure a sixth-place finish and European football.
Cross reports that “Leeds are hoping to convince him to make the move to the Premier League, as they consider their options between the sticks for the new season.”
Zentner’s consistency and experience in Germany’s top flight have caught the eye, especially as Farke looks to reinforce a defence that will face a huge step up in quality. Leeds fans will be encouraged by Zentner’s 2024/25 stats: over 3,090 minutes, he conceded 46 goals but stood out for his shot-stopping in big matches, giving Mainz a solid base to push into Europe.
Of course, the Whites are not short on options. Leeds have also been linked with Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale, who could be on the move again after a turbulent spell on the South Coast, and former Manchester United prospect Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who has rebuilt his reputation with consistent performances abroad.
The club’s willingness to spend isn’t in doubt. Having already wrapped up deals for Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, the next priority is clear: “The 49ers and Farke are currently looking to implement their transfer plans for the window, having already signed Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, but goalkeeper has so far eluded them as they look at all their options,” Cross added.
Leeds also remain in the market for a proven Premier League striker but have so far been frustrated in their attempts to prise Rodrigo Muniz away from Fulham. The London club have rejected a bid reportedly worth up to £32 million for the Brazilian forward, and the Elland Road hierarchy may now have to look elsewhere for additional firepower.
It’s shaping up to be a pivotal summer in West Yorkshire. Farke knows that smart recruitment is vital to break the cycle of promoted teams heading straight back down. With Meslier’s long-term future uncertain and the Premier League’s ruthless demands beckoning, securing an experienced, reliable keeper like Zentner could prove one of their most important deals.
The Leeds faithful will be watching closely to see if the 49ers’ ambition can translate into the kind of signings that make this promotion stick. For now, all eyes are on whether they can convince Zentner that Elland Road is where his next chapter should begin.
admin
Godwin Obaje
