Michael Zetterer: Leeds United ‘to consider’ as back-up to James Trafford

Leeds United are seeking a new back-up goalkeeper after a flurry of departures. Lucas Perri is set to join Torino on loan for £850,000 with a £12m option, while Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow have also moved on, Darlow to Manchester United. James Trafford has arrived, but cover behind him is thin.

According to Absolut Fussball, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Michael Zetterer has been identified as a potential addition. Alex Cairns is currently next in line.

Zetterer, 31, is Frankfurt’s back-up. He played 28 times in his first season alongside Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen, and Kristensen has since left. The former Germany U21 keeper impressed at Werder Bremen with 22 clean sheets in 80 games, and he also had loans in Austria and the Netherlands.

Raised at SpVgg Unterhaching, he broke through in 2013-14 and 2014-15 as a regular in the third tier, the youngest to do so. He joined Bremen in 2015, then earned first-team chances after spells at PEC Zwolle and Austria Klagenfurt.

Stylistically, he is comfortable on the ball, patient with his distribution and adept at building play, aligning with Daniel Farke’s demands. Trafford has shown similar traits in matches against Man United and Augsburg.

Coaches have long highlighted his composure, noting he remains calm under extreme pressure and helps the backline step higher. His progress was threatened by wrist fractures between 2016 and 2018 that required multiple operations, and doctors warned he might not play again. Competing for the starting spot at Frankfurt underlines a notable comeback.

Source: Leedsunited.news

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