Leeds United are maintaining their belief that they can secure Eintracht Frankfurt stopper Michael Zetterer, despite one of the player’s representatives denying that an agreement in principle is imminent.
On Thursday, The Athletic first disclosed that Leeds were nearing a preliminary understanding with the German side, with the aim of installing him as the backup to new first-choice James Trafford.
Then, on Friday morning, Nico Pellatz – serving as a goalkeeper consultant for the player’s agency – informed German publication BILD that he was very surprised by reports and that these reports were simply untrue, adding that Michael and his family were very happy in Frankfurt and that a move was currently out of the question for him.
Nevertheless, Leeds sources have repeated to Leeds Live that they remain convinced they will sign the goalkeeper and that Pellatz’s statements do not reflect their grasp of the situation.
The acquisition of Zetterer would hinge on a goalkeeper chain reaction involving Lucas Perri and Frankfurt securing a replacement. Leeds are holding off on allowing Perri to depart until he has recovered from his quadriceps injury, with Torino preparing a loan deal with an option to purchase.
Sources in Turin have stressed that a direct club-to-club agreement for Perri has not yet been finalised but his representative has flown to Italy this week. Torino had hoped to have the transfer wrapped up by now and are eager to get it done shortly.
Perri – who arrived for £13.9million last summer before losing his status as first-choice in January – featured for just 45 minutes of football during pre-season, against Wrexham, due to his setback and has not featured in a match for almost a month.
Barring a long-term injury to Trafford, Zetterer would face restricted opportunities during his time at Leeds, should he agree to the switch. Trafford, 23, is viewed as the clear primary option following his club record £40million arrival.
Zetterer – still at an ideal age for a goalkeeper at 31 – featured 29 times last campaign, five of which came in the Champions League.
There is a possibility he would feature in only one cup match for Leeds, should they lose to Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on Tuesday – probably too early for any newcomer – and the club exit the FA Cup in the third round.
Zetterer only arrived from Werder Bremen last year for approximately £5million. His contract in Frankfurt runs until 2029.
Leeds United have unveiled their fresh third kit for the 2026/27 campaign, showcasing a black colourway with an all-over print and tipped collar intended to reflect the structures that form Leeds.