Leeds United have been in desperate need of a commanding goalkeeper and they were earlier being linked with a move for Manchester City youngster Angus Gunn. However, now he has become a former Manchester City player as Southampton have signed him for£13.5m.
Gunn spent last season on loan with Championship outfit Norwich City where he was a regular feature for them between the sticks. He had made 46 appearances for the Canaries and did go on to make some useful contributions throughout the season. He managed a healthy tally of 15 clean sheets and maybe with a better defence in front of him, those numbers could have been higher.
After signing for the Saints, Gunn said,’’ “The opportunity was there for me to stay at Manchester City but I saw the potential of this club and the squad. The manager (Mark Hughes) and Dave Watson (head of goalkeeping) were a big part of the reason why I have chosen to join and speaking to them both was a big factor in my decision. I think the club has got a big future and I’m looking forward to getting started now.”
This will come as a body blow for Marcelo Bielsa as they were hoping to get the 22-year-old on a season-long loan. However, Manchester City found Southampton’s offer too good to decline and decided to cash in on the player.
The Peacocks have already parted ways with Felix Wiedwald who came in just last season from Werder Bremen. However, after some poor displays, United decided to promote their youth talent Bailey Peacock Farrell to the first team and the youngster managed to show some good signs. Weidwald, meanwhile, has gone back to his homeland and joined Frankfurt. The veteran Andy Lonergan has also parted ways with the club and that leaves the Peacocks with just Bailey Peacock Farrell as a viable option.
Gunn has represented England at various youth level and started his footballing career at Norwich City before moving to Manchester City in 2011.
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Many were considering that the West Yorkshire outfit might have an edge over signing some City players given the fact that Bielsa and Pep Guardiola really get along well. Gunn would have been a solid option for the Whites as they are looking to challenge for the playoffs. Now with the youngster leaving for Norwich, Bielsa will surely need to look at other alternatives to solve Leeds’ goalkeeping issues.
