Leeds target Shakhtar goalkeeper Riznyk as Darlow and Meslier set to leave

Leeds United have identified Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk as their leading target to solve a persistent problem position this summer, with incumbent stoppers Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier both set to leave as free agents. The 27-year-old Ukrainian has attracted interest from Elland Road after an impressive season between the sticks, though the precise transfer fee remains unclear.

Riznyk made 41 appearances for Shakhtar last season, keeping 22 clean sheets and playing a central role as the club won the Ukrainian league title by a 12-point margin. He has also collected two domestic cups during his time at the club, which he joined from Vorskla Poltava in 2023.

The need for a new goalkeeper stems from a costly miscalculation. Lucas Perri arrived for £15.6 million in July 2025 but failed to hold down the position, with his performances deteriorating sharply enough for manager Daniel Farke to turn to the veteran Darlow. Meslier, once the club’s first choice, was also dropped in the latter stages of the 2024/25 campaign. Both are now expected to depart when their contracts expire.

Farke, speaking at the end of April, praised Darlow but told supporters they could “read between the lines” when asked about the 35-year-old’s contract situation — a comment widely interpreted as confirmation that the keeper will not be offered a new deal.

Following Shakhtar’s Europa Conference League semi-final exit to Crystal Palace, Riznyk acknowledged he was at a crossroads in his career without committing to a move. “I’ve never been at this stage in my life before, in the semi-finals,” he said. “I hope it won’t be the last time. We will work to go further and win in the future.”

Other names have been considered. Manchester City’s James Trafford is understood to be available, though any arrangement would likely be a loan rather than a permanent signing. Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who has 12 months left on his contract and lost his starting place this season, is another option in the background. Leeds are reported to have no concrete interest in SC Braga’s 22-year-old Czech international Lukas Hornicek, despite speculation linking him with the club.

For Farke, securing a reliable, experienced goalkeeper is among the most pressing tasks of a summer in which Leeds must consolidate their Premier League status after finishing 14th on their return to the top flight.