Leeds eye Orjan Nyland on free transfer after World Cup

Leeds United are being backed to make a move for Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland following his outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, with the 35-year-old now a free agent after leaving Sevilla at the expiry of his contract and publicly inviting clubs to approach him once the tournament concludes.

Nyland most recently starred as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, one of the most remarkable results of the entire tournament, with his performance drawing considerable attention from scouts watching across North America. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds could make a move as they continue their search for a new goalkeeper ahead of next season.

Why Leeds United need a new goalkeeper this summer

Brown told Football Insider: “Signing a new goalkeeper has been a big part of Leeds’ plans this summer. Karl Darlow had a strong season for them, but Lucas Perri struggled, and they’ve been looking at a number of potential options to improve on what they’ve already got. They’ve been aware that they need a new goalkeeper and scouts have been watching some of their targets, while they will also have been keeping an eye on the World Cup.”

Concerns about both Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow have forced Daniel Farke’s side into the market, with Leeds assessing a number of potential options throughout the summer window. Leeds, like most clubs, have scouts present in North America tracking standout players from the tournament, and Nyland’s performances have reportedly caught their eye.

Mick Brown verdict on Orjan Nyland to Leeds United

Brown continued: “Norway’s goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, has had an outstanding tournament so far and I would be very surprised if he wasn’t somebody they had a look at. If he could perform for Leeds the way he has for Norway so far, he would be a significant upgrade on their current options, and they could certainly do a lot worse. His age probably isn’t ideal, he wouldn’t be a signing for the future, but on a free transfer it’s definitely something to explore.”

Nyland’s age, at 35, means he would represent a short-term solution rather than a long-term appointment. But his availability on a free transfer after leaving Sevilla significantly reduces the financial risk associated with signing a player at that stage of his career, and his World Cup performances have demonstrated that his level remains high enough to compete in the Premier League. He has publicly invited clubs to approach him after the tournament, making the logistics of a deal straightforward if Leeds decide to move.

Other goalkeepers Leeds United have been linked with

Nyland is far from the only option Leeds have been assessing. James Trafford, whose situation at Manchester City has attracted considerable attention this summer with Newcastle United among those rekindling interest, is one of the domestic options linked with a move to Elland Road. Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale have also been mentioned among the domestic possibilities for Farke’s side.

Football Insider also revealed last month that Leeds have been monitoring Zion Suzuki, the Japan goalkeeper whose performances in Serie A and at the World Cup have attracted interest from multiple clubs including Leeds and Aston Villa. Farke’s side are believed to have an edge over Villa in the race for Suzuki, though Aston Villa’s priority is understood to be selling Emiliano Martinez first before moving in the goalkeeper market. Nyland’s free agent status gives Leeds a potentially cleaner and more straightforward route into the position if they decide to act quickly.