Transfer fee revealed as Leeds eye move for goalkeeper who’s already trained with them
Leeds United have reportedly renewed their interest in Swedish goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, as the newly promoted Premier League side looks to strengthen its squad for top-flight survival. According to a recent report from Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt (27 May), the Whites are among several clubs monitoring the progress of the 23-year-old Mjällby shot-stopper, who has become one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the Allsvenskan.
Under manager Daniel Farke, Leeds experienced inconsistency in goal last season, with former first-choice Illan Meslier enduring a dip in form. That prompted Farke to turn to veteran Karl Darlow, who offered more reliability during key stretches of the campaign. However, with Premier League football on the horizon, the Elland Road hierarchy appears determined to bring in fresh competition—and possibly a long-term solution—between the posts.
Tornqvist on Leeds’ Radar Once Again
This isn’t the first time Leeds have expressed interest in Tornqvist. The club had previously explored the possibility of signing him earlier in 2024, and it appears their admiration for the young keeper has not faded. Mjällby’s sporting director Hasse Larsson is reportedly open to selling the player this summer and has placed a £1.5 million price tag on the Swede’s head—a modest fee that could prove to be a bargain if Tornqvist fulfills his potential.
Tornqvist has been a mainstay at Mjällby for the past five seasons, amassing 78 appearances and registering 25 clean sheets in that span—a commendable 32% clean sheet rate. His performances have drawn attention not only from Leeds but from other Swedish sides as well, who recognize his growing stature and consistent displays in the domestic league.
A Viable Signing—But Not a Premier League Starter Yet
While Tornqvist’s record in Sweden is impressive, questions remain about whether he is ready to take on the immense responsibility of being a starting goalkeeper in one of the world’s most demanding leagues. The Premier League presents a vastly different challenge—intensely physical, incredibly fast-paced, and populated by some of the most clinical forwards in global football.
Though Leeds’ interest is genuine, signing Tornqvist as their first-choice goalkeeper would be a considerable gamble. At 23, he is still relatively inexperienced at the top level and has yet to earn a senior cap for Sweden. His only international experience has come with the U21 side, which, while valuable, does not fully prepare a player for the pressure cooker environment of England’s top division.
Given Leeds United’s primary objective next season will be survival and stability, it would be risky to entrust such a crucial role to an unproven talent. Instead, the more prudent approach would be to bring Tornqvist in as a backup option—someone who can learn, adapt, and grow under the guidance of a seasoned first-choice keeper. In this role, Tornqvist’s age and raw potential become assets rather than liabilities, allowing Leeds to nurture him into a capable future starter while minimizing immediate risk.
A Smart Investment for the Future
At a cost of just £1.5 million, Tornqvist could represent a low-risk, high-reward investment for Leeds. His previous training stint with the club would help ease his transition, and working within a Premier League setup could accelerate his development significantly. In the meantime, Leeds would be wise to prioritize a goalkeeper with Premier League or at least top-tier European experience to anchor their defense next season.
Ultimately, while Noel Tornqvist may not be the ready-made solution to Leeds’ goalkeeping dilemma, he could become a valuable squad member with the right development path. As the Whites prepare for life back in the Premier League, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning will be crucial—and Tornqvist fits neatly into the latter category.