A number of Premier League clubs are already keeping tabs on Bari goalkeeper Elia Caprile just four months after the exciting Italian left Leeds United, according to Serie B News.
In truth, what choice did Leeds have when Bari came calling, offering Caprile the sort of first-team opportunities that seemed beyond him at Elland Road? In Illan Meslier, Jesse Marsch already had one of Europe’s best young shot-stoppers standing between the sticks.
Leeds, then, were in no real position to stand in the way of an exciting young talent crying out for a stab at senior football.
Former Italy U18 international Caprile joined second-tier Bari in July. And he’s been so impressive at the Serie B outfit – conceding just 16 goals in 14 games while producing his fair share of ‘miracles’ – that a number of as-yet unnamed Premier League clubs are already weighing up the prospect of offering Caprile a second shot at English football.
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Elia Caprile could return to England after Bari spell
“Obviously, a start like this surprised everyone a bit,” Caprile’s agent, Graziano Battistini, told TuttoBari following the 21-year-old’s immediate impact at the Stadio San Nicola.
“I hoped that Bari could give him confidence. Once this happened, Elia demonstrated all his worth and everything came as a consequence. I was aware that all this could happen. Now we just have to continue like this.
“Playing in Bari gives him important visibility. I believe that, at least in Italy, (other clubs) have noticed that Elia Caprile exists. I hope he produces a good season and we manage to achieve important goals.”
Now, it won’t be a particularly great look for Leeds United if Caprile ends up returning to England with a direct Premier League rival before showing the men from West Yorkshire exactly what they’re missing.
Leeds did, however, have the good sense to include a 50 per cent sell-on clause in Caprile’s contract. If Bari were to sell him for, say £10 million, Leeds would pick up £5 million, for instance.
‘Incredible talent’
“Elia amazed me,” former Bari ace Alberto Fontana tells La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno. “This boy has incredible talent, he has extraordinary reflexes. But above all, he has a veteran mentality.
“He is calm, serene. He doesn’t let himself be influenced by the moments of the match or by the impact of his opponents.
“Goalkeepers often explode around the age of 24 or 25. The Buffons or Donnarummas, who are ready at 17, are extraordinary exceptions. They cannot be a rule. Caprile himself is a beautiful anomaly because producing a performance at 21, in Serie B, rarely happens.
“We must congratulate the sporting director Ciro Polito. He has unearthed a very pure gem.”
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