Report: The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on trial but opted to sign with Southampton

Goalkeeper Joe Lumley actually completed a trial period at Leeds United before securing a move to Championship rivals Southampton.

Leeds United looked into signing goalkeeper Joe Lumley in pre-season.

This emerges from a report by The athletewho claim that Lumley was actually on trial at Thorp Arch.

Leeds brought Sam Byram on trial, initially just to help a former player stay fit who had also played under Daniel Farke at Norwich City.

Byram eventually earned a contract with Leeds and played a prominent role in the opening weeks of the new Championship season.

However, Byram was not the only trialist and was welcomed into the club by goalkeeper Lumley when he was looking for a new club…

Leeds United took a look at Joe Lumley

It is said that Lumley worked with Leeds for a “brief period” as Leeds were looking for another goalkeeper.

The Whites saw Joel Robles move over the summer and wanted an experienced Championship stopper to compete for Illan Meslier.

Lumley was an option as he was released by Middlesbrough at the end of last season.

The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Reading, making 41 Championship appearances, while he has also featured regularly for Boro and Queens Park Rangers in the past.

Ultimately, Leeds signed Karl Darlow from Newcastle United, who now serves as Meslier’s replacement, perhaps expecting to be in contention for first-team minutes.

Lumley moved to Southampton instead

Lumley left Leeds fairly quickly, joining Championship rivals Southampton instead.

A key factor here is that Southampton goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton Lumley coached in the QPR youth team.

Lumley really enjoyed the reunion, but he has yet to play a single minute in a Southampton shirt.

In fact, Lumley has only featured in a matchday squad twice this season and appears to be third choice at Southampton behind Gavin Bazunu and Alex McCarthy.

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