Sky Sports pundit questions future of £30,000/week Leeds United player amid 49ers transfer plans

VaselineMay 7, 2024

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Sky Sports pundit questions future of £30,000/week Leeds United player amid 49ers transfer plans

Leeds United’s Karl Darlow warms up before the SkyBet Championship match between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road, Leeds, Saturday, September 2, 2023. (Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Leeds United are being linked with a move to sign goalkeeper Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United, which could have ramifications for both Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow.

Leeds finished the regular campaign with the most clean sheets in the division this season, a solid confidence booster for Illan Meslier.

However, the Frenchman hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory at crucial moments of the season, more recently, when Leeds have generally dropped out of the automatic promotion race.

Leeds are interested in Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson

A report from Swedish outlet Aftonbladet has claimed the Whites and relegated Premier League side Sheffield United are keen to sign Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United.

“The keeper was outstanding in goal for the Millers despite the goals conceded ending at 89, as Johansson received plaudits for keeping the score constant – something Leeds witnessed firsthand at home and away against Rotherham.

As mentioned above, the report linking Leeds also reveals the release clause present in Johansson’s contract, which stands at £730,000.

Paul Robinson reacts to the Johansson links

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson spoke to MOT Leeds News about the emerging links with Johansson and what it means for Leeds’ current two ‘keepers, Meslier and Karl Darlow.

For Darlow in particular, his position as second-choice stopper is under threat due to interest in Johansson, as Robinson says:

“With just one cap for Sweden, he’s a decent goalkeeper, but I don’t think he’s at Meslier’s level.

“If they sign him as competition for him, then maybe there are questions about Karl Darlow’s future if he stays at number two.”

Darlow was not the biggest of the signings

When Darlow came in for £400,000 it seemed like a very obvious signing to add depth and quality to our goalkeeping department.

However, given that he’s on a reported £30,000-a-week, it’s a lot to pay for someone who barely plays and hasn’t been convincing when he’s done it.

As for comparisons to Meslier and Johansson, Robinson is far from it, the Swede is comfortably a better goalkeeper in almost every department and the numbers back it up, even if the goals conceded column doesn’t.