“Leeds United’s Jaw-Dropping £6M Bid to Snag 2022 World Cup LEGEND – You Won’t Believe Who!”

Leeds United are determined to avoid the pitfalls that often plague newly promoted clubs, and strengthening both ends of the pitch will be crucial to achieving that.

After enduring a turbulent 2024/25 campaign between the sticks, addressing the goalkeeper position has become a priority.

Illan Meslier struggled with form throughout the season, committing several high-profile mistakes.

Despite costly performances against Sunderland and Hull City, manager Daniel Farke initially kept faith in the Frenchman.

However, after another disappointing showing against Swansea City at Elland Road, Farke finally opted to replace him with Karl Darlow.

Now, Leeds appear to be looking for a more reliable long-term solution—potentially in the form of a World Cup standout.

Reports from AS Marca via Twitter/X suggest that Leeds have set their sights on Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, currently playing for Fenerbahce.

The Whites have reportedly submitted a €7 million (£6 million) bid for the 30-year-old, who rose to international fame during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

However, Fenerbahce are holding out for a fee closer to €12–13 million.

Leeds aren’t alone in the chase, with Sunderland, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and clubs from the Middle East also monitoring Livakovic’s situation.

Livakovic made headlines during the 2022 World Cup with his penalty shootout heroics. In Croatia’s round of 16 clash against Japan on December 5th, he saved three penalties to earn the Man of the Match award.

He followed that with another stellar performance against Brazil in the quarter-finals, saving a penalty and making 11 saves, again being named Man of the Match.

Interestingly, as Fenerbahce prepare for Livakovic’s potential departure, they have reportedly identified Illan Meslier as one of their targets.

José Mourinho’s side is also said to be pursuing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, another goalkeeper on Leeds’ radar.

Despite the renewed links, Livakovic is not believed to be one of Leeds’ top three goalkeeping targets.

According to Leeds United News sources, the club has drawn up a three-man shortlist of preferred candidates ahead of the Croatian international.

Still, Livakovic is viewed as a strong alternative should those options fall through.

After a successful debut campaign in the Turkish Super Lig, Livakovic’s form dipped slightly last season.

Nevertheless, his performances for GNK Dinamo Zagreb and on the international stage underscore the quality he could bring to Elland Road.

With Leeds and Fenerbahce both eyeing goalkeeping changes, a complex transfer chain involving both clubs appears to be unfolding this summer.