Leeds United goalkeeper Elia Caprile has told Italian outlet Numero Diez that he dreams of becoming Napoli’s goalkeeper at some point in his career. He hopes to one day, play his football in Serie A and the Champions League.
Caprile, 20, is currently on loan at third-tier Italian side Pro Patria, where he has clocked up 37 appearances in all competitions this term. In that time, he has kept 12 clean sheets and conceded 44 goals for the 12th-placed side.
A prominent player for the club’s Under-23 side, with 19 outings for the second string to his name, Caprile featured on the bench last term – five times in the Premier League. At times, he was preferred to Kiko Casilla.
With his contract at Elland Road expiring in 2024, he is expected to return this summer. Caprile says he will stage talks with Leeds this summer, and also spoke of his dream to play for Napoli and in the Champions League.
“Leeds were the first to tell me ‘go on loan, play your 30/40 games and then let’s talk again’,” Caprile said. “I have a dream and a hope. The hope, which is also my goal, is to be in Serie A.
“Obviously, I think all children want to reach Serie A and maybe even the Champions League. As for the dream, in 10 years, I would like to be the Napoli goalkeeper. Why? My father is from Naples, and I support Napoli.”
Caprile on Napoli: Leeds goalkeeper may have to go out on loan again
Illan Meslier is, without doubt, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and has been excellent again this season – as he nears 100 appearances for the club. There were initial doubts about Kristoffer Klaesson, but they have subsided.
Most notably, after his brilliant performance against Wolves – coming on to replace the injured Meslier. His confidence has grown and so have his performances in the U23 side. Caprile, when he returns, is third choice.
So, the likelihood is, Caprile will have to go out on loan again – this time to maybe a second-tier Italian side to once again prove his worth, but at a stronger level. He has certainly shown he is capable this season, at Patria.
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