Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims Elia Caprile is ‘very close’ to completing a permanent move to Serie B side Bari from Leeds United. The goalkeeper is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Serie C champions.
Caprile, 20, joined Leeds from Chievo back in January 2020 and has since been a regular for the club’s Under-23 side. He was a crucial part of the second-string team that gained promotion to PL2 in the 2020-21 season.
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That summer, Caprile chose to leave Leeds on loan – moving to third-tier Italian side Pro Patria where he clocked up 39 senior outings. Keeping 13 clean sheets, he has caught the eye. Bari won that league, and have moved to sign him.
Caprile does have a contract at Leeds until 2024, so a move will require a fee – though it is likely to be nominal. The report says he is ‘very close’ to a move – describing him as a “talent discovered by Marcelo Bielsa”.
Caprile ‘very close’ to permanent Bari move from Leeds
It is an excellent move for Caprile – if he is first choice. Bari are a big club in terms of Italian football and now back in the second tier, they will be hoping to spring back into Serie A sooner rather than later.
For Caprile, it gives him the chance to show Italian football that he is capable of the step up – after making a name for himself at the third level. At 20, the goalkeeper is well ahead of the curve and will surely be in Serie A soon.
The goalkeeper was applauded for his “miracle” performances by Italian media at Pro Patria as he helped them avoid relegation and now, he gets a move he deserves. Leeds are likely to sign a goalkeeper this summer.
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