Leeds United Eyes Juventus Goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio Amidst Goalkeeping Crisis
Leeds United are monitoring Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian is anticipated to depart the Allianz Stadium this summer. This follows a challenging season for the Turin giants, who finished sixth in Serie A. Additional reports from Tuttosport indicate that Daniel Farke’s team has made mild enquiries, suggesting a general awareness of his situation rather than an aggressive pursuit.
Leeds United’s Italian Goalkeeper Link with Michele Di Gregorio: What the Reports Say
His agent, Carlo Alberto Belloni, has confirmed that the shot-stopper is on the shortlists of multiple clubs across Europe, though there is no urgency to finalize a move just yet. Leeds is also facing stiff competition, including from Tottenham Hotspur, although Roberto De Zerbi’s side has not yet made a formal bid. Liverpool briefly considered him earlier this year but subsequently looked elsewhere.
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Currently, Elland Road is experiencing a goalkeeping crisis. Illan Meslier left on a free transfer, while Karl Darlow signed with Manchester United. Compounding this, backup option Lucas Perri is nearing a loan move to Torino. Farke urgently needs to secure a new number one.
A Profile Worth Taking Seriously, But with Major Questions
Di Gregorio, 28, joined Juventus in the summer of 2025 with a strong reputation, having won the Serie A goalkeeper of the year award during his tenure at Monza. He recorded 127 saves in 33 games during the 2023/24 season and has the distribution skills suitable for a modern high line defense. Observers of Italian football recognized him as a player destined for greatness.
However, last season proved disastrous. Notable mistakes against Inter Milan and Como led to him being dropped by Luciano Spalletti midway through the year. By May, he ended up with just nine clean sheets in 30 league starts, witnessing his save percentage plunge to 68.1%—a stark drop from the 70.4% efficiency he recorded in his first year with Juventus. The trust placed in him ultimately faltered.
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The price tag is the only encouraging aspect. Reports suggest an asking price ranging from €10-11 million. Juventus aims to recoup at least €10.8 million to prevent a capital loss on the €18.8 million they initially paid Monza. For a seasoned Italian keeper, this represents an attractive deal. However, Leeds must be cautious, as they would be acquiring an underperforming player from a tumultuous environment, rather than a commanding figure for the Premier League.
T4O Opinion: Should Farke Launch a Bid or Look Elsewhere?
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus looks on during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If considered as a backup option, Di Gregorio might make sense. However, as the main target, he raises concerns. His shot-stopping statistics have declined for two consecutive seasons, dropping from a 78.3% save rate at Monza to 70.4%, and now resting at 68.1%.
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Leeds United cannot afford a goalkeeper who concedes goals easily. Last year, their expected goals against metrics were troubling, placing them 14th in the Premier League for xG conceded at 55.7. Juventus managed to protect Di Gregorio behind a statistically solid defense, but placing him behind Leeds’ current backline would pose an entirely different challenge.
Zion Suzuki emerges as a more promising option. He is younger, possesses significant potential, and has just showcased his skills during a notable World Cup with Japan. He should remain the primary target for the recruitment team. If that deal does not pan out and Di Gregorio becomes available for a reduced fee of around £9 million, Farke should contemplate it, though expectations for a transformative player should be tempered.
The appealing low fee and availability are noteworthy; however, Di Gregorio appears to be a keeper whose best years might be behind him. A goalkeeper who lost his starting position in a struggling Juventus side should not automatically be the solution for the challenges at Elland Road. Farke has dedicated months to building a project that needs stability, and signing a low-confidence keeper simply due to market constraints may lead to a short-term gamble disguised as a smart transfer. Leeds United require a definitive solution to address this summer’s issues.
