Leeds United are said to be keen on Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz as they look to strengthen ahead of their return to the Premier League, as reported by Leeds United News.
Peretz is one of several keepers behind the legendary Manuel Neuer at the Allianz Arena.
Who Is Daniel Peretz?
Peretz is a 24-year-old Israeli international goalkeeper who is one of four first-team stoppers with the German giants.
The six-cap international signed for Munich in August 2023 for a reported fee of €5 million from 26-time Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv.
During his time with the Tel Aviv side, Peretz played 102 matches and kept an impressive 44 clean sheets before his move to the Bundesliga.
Peretz Aims To Replace Neuer
The report suggests that Peretz’s long-term aim is to become Bayern Munich’s number-one and, to do this, needs a loan move to prove he is capable of replacing Neuer.
Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven are also said to be interested in bringing Peretz in on a season-long loan and the opportunity to play in the Champions League could give them the advantage.
Too Many Meslier Mistakes
Despite keeping 21 clean sheets and only conceding 27 goals, Illan Meslier came under increasing scrutiny as Leeds United eventually claimed the Championship title.
An error from a corner that allowed Harry Darling to score before conceding a disappointing late equaliser against Swansea City appeared to be the final straw for manager Daniel Farke as the Frenchman was benched from that moment till the end of the season.
The nightmare against The Swans followed a calamitous outing at The MKM Stadium against Hull City back in January and the ball shooting through his arms and legs, to allow Sunderland to equalise at The Stadium of Light.
It would now appear that the Leeds management has seen enough and feels an upgrade is needed for life in the Premier League.
Writer’s View
On paper, 21 clean sheets is an impressive return and for a side that achieved 100 points there should be nothing to worry about.
However, Meslier is prone to an error and the Premier League is far more unforgiving, as the promoted sides have yet again found.
Whether Peretz is the right choice is questionable, having made just a handful of appearances in his time at Bayern, perhaps a keeper with English top-flight experience like Sam Johnstone may be a better option.
