After Hidemasa Morita, Leeds ‘to target’ another of Ao Tanaka's Japan team-mates | OneFootball

Leeds United are assessing options in goal as Daniel Farke addresses a key gap in his squad. Illan Meslier is set to leave and the club’s retained list confirmed talks are ongoing with Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns.

Italian reporter Gianluigi Longari reports that Leeds have joined Aston Villa in monitoring Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, Japan’s World Cup no.1, and are gathering information, with interest expected to build.

Darlow stepped in reliably last season, making 24 appearances and keeping five clean sheets. He turns 36 this year and has largely been a back-up in recent campaigns. Lucas Perri arrived from Lyon but struggled to make the shirt his own.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Suzuki chose Japan despite eligibility for multiple nations. He came through Urawa Red Diamonds, moved to Belgian side Sint-Truiden, then joined Parma in 2024.

For Parma he recorded five clean sheets, 66 saves and a save percentage above 70 per cent. He is under contract until June 2029, leaving the Serie A club in a strong position. A fee in the region of €25m to €30m has been mentioned.

Leeds require a long-term no.1 rather than depth alone. Suzuki’s age and experience align with that brief, although whether a deal materialises remains unclear.

Source: Leedsunited.news