Leeds United could find goalkeeper upgrade in bargain €12.5m transfer

Leeds United are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper ahead of their Premier League return and they will struggle to find a more talented individual at an extraordinarily low cost than Espanyol's Joan Garcia.

Leeds ended their brief Premier League exile by securing the Championship title with a mammoth 100-point total under Daniel Farke, pipping Burnley to top spot with a dramatic late winner against Plymouth Argyle on the final day.

Enduring a brief wobble in March and early April, Leeds quelled the fears of their supporters by showcasing their supremacy with six successive wins to end the campaign.

While there are many strengths to this Whites team, there are notable deficiencies and one position they're in desperate need of addressing is at goalkeeper.

Illan Meslier was guilty of a series of high-profile blunders which cost Leeds points over the course of the season and the Frenchman was dropped for Karl Darlow for the final seven matches.

Meslier's future at Elland Road appears increasingly uncertain and the Leeds hierarchy are desperate to get a shot-stopper through the door who will aid their quest for Premier League safety next term.

Illan Meslier ranked 19th of 27 goalkeepers in the Championship for goals prevented in 2024/25.

The likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Caoimhin Kelleher have been linked with a switch to West Yorkshire, but over in La Liga, there is a goalkeeper who ticks all of Leeds' criteria.

Espanyol need at least a draw in their final match against relegated Las Palmas to retain their top-flight status, although their precarious position is through no fault of Garcia.

The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers in Spain after producing a catalogue of sensational acrobatic saves and Garcia has demonstrated impressive leadership qualities in the wake of Espanyol's adversity.

No goalkeeper has produced more saves than Garcia (141) in La Liga and his poise when in possession of the ball has earned numerous plaudits.

Consistency has been a key element to Garcia's blossoming influence and it's one of the reasons why several big clubs from across Europe are reportedly tracking the Barcelona native, including Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Despite his immense value to Espanyol, Garcia's contract consists of a €25m release clause, but there's a chance that the goalkeeper may be available for an even cheaper fee if Los Periquitos were to be relegated.

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter said: "Garcia, one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, is probably going to go because he's so talented and his buyout clause is only €25m.

If Espanyol are relegated, look out, suitors; his buyout clause goes down to €12.5m.

Such a remarkably low figure has understandably put an abundance of clubs on red alert.

If Espanyol remain in La Liga, Garcia's release clause will remain at €25m. However, if the goalkeeper receives a call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming June international break, his release clause will increase by €5m to €30m.

Even if Garcia's fee was to increase, in football's current economic climate, it would be extremely difficult to find a goalkeeper of his calibre at a better rate.

While there is an urgency to strengthen the squad at Farke's disposal, Leeds must demonstrate financial maturity over the coming months.

It was revealed on Monday that the club's ownership is set to raise approximately £120 million through the issuance of new shares, strategically timed ahead of their return to the Premier League.

A report from The Athletic suggested the fresh capital will be invested into the playing squad and the redevelopment of Elland Road.

Leeds revealed concept images of the proposed Elland Road refurbishment at the end of April and outlined plans to increase the total capacity to 53,000.