Leeds are likely to be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Leeds United goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald moved to Yorkshire with expectations of being the Whites’ number one goalkeeper for years to come, after establishing himself as Werder Bremen’s first-choice stopper.
Fast forward a year, and 28-year-old Wiedwald is just one of a number of high-profile first-team stars to have been overlooked for the trip to Myanmar this week as Leeds play two end-of-season friendlies in the war-torn country.
His demise, as well as the inconsistency of Andy Lonergan, has seen Paul Heckingbottom bring Bailey Peacock-Farrell into the fold – a move that has been arguably the highlight of his spell in charge.
Peacock-Farrell has held aloft the Young Player of the Year award, as he continues to grow in confidence between the sticks. But with Wiedwald leaving and Lonergan happy as back-up, Leeds need a new goalkeeper.
It should see Heckingbottom’s attention draw to the Premier League, where Leicester City’s Eldin Jakupovic is reportedly set to leave the King Power Stadium despite signing a three-year deal last summer.
The Hull Daily Mail have reported that 33-year-old is on his way out, after featuring just twice this season for the Foxes in the form of two FA Cup appearances.
The article reports that Cardiff City, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough and Derby County are all keen on Jakupovic, so surely Leeds should enter the race to lure the one-time Switzerland international to Elland Road?
Experience at the back is key if Leeds are to progress to the Premier League next season, something they lacked this time around with all the club’s defenders under the age of 30.
If Heckingbottom is keen on continuing to place his faith in the likes of Tom Pearce, Paudie O’Connor and Peacock-Farrell, and experienced head in the dressing room and on the pitch like Jakupovic will work wonders. A must buy.
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