Leeds United are reportedly closing in on Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk as their first signing of the summer transfer window, according to emerging reports. The 27-year-old Ukrainian international has been identified by manager Daniel Farke as the solution to a problem position that has plagued the club since their return to the Premier League.
The Elland Road outfit have struggled for consistency between the sticks this season. Lucas Perri, signed for £15.6m in July 2025, failed to live up to expectations, with veteran Karl Darlow eventually taking the gloves after the Brazilian's form dipped dramatically. Both Illan Meslier and Darlow are now set to leave as free agents, leaving a clear vacancy.
Riznyk, who joined Shakhtar from Vorskla Poltava in 2023, impressed last season with 22 clean sheets in 41 appearances, helping his side win the Ukrainian league by a 12-point margin. He also featured in European competition, and following Shakhtar's Europa Conference League semi-final exit to Crystal Palace, he hinted at a potential move, stating: 'I've never been at this stage in my life before... I hope it won't be the last time.'
While other names such as Manchester City's James Trafford and Newcastle's Nick Pope have been linked, Leeds are understood to have no concrete interest in Braga's Lukas Hornicek. Farke has remained tight-lipped on specific targets, but after Darlow's error against Arsenal in January, he admitted: 'We're always looking to improve the squad... especially in positions where we are perhaps a bit weaker.'
Riznyk would bring reliable experience and a winning mentality, having secured two Ukrainian titles and two domestic cups. Whether Darlow would accept a backup role remains to be seen, but the move signals a clear intent from Farke to address a long-standing weakness.
