According to the reports in the Express as reported by Leeds Live, Leeds United are set to target Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham in January as Jamal Blackman returned to his parent club Chelsea after suffering a foot injury. Reports also say that the 27-year-old Rangers custodian is currently a top target for the Whites.
United were given a major scare when Bailey Peacock Farrell also went out with an injury, but he returned to the playing eleven in his side’s narrow win against Reading. The young Northern Irishman has made some unfortunate mistakes in goal and Bielsa did go on to confirm that he would have gone with Blackman in goal if the on-loan stopper wouldn’t have been injured. However, lady luck was on the 22-year-old’s side, and he is set to be the no.1 goalkeeper again for the time being.
But it seems clear that Bielsa isn’t too satisfied with the options he has currently. Against Bristol City, William Huffer made his debut, and the youngster managed to keep a clean sheet. However, he wasn’t tested much so it couldn’t be gauged whether he would be able to fill in the no.1 spot when required.
Foderingham was the first choice goalkeeper for the Glaswegian giants up until last season, but the signing of Allan McGregor has pushed him down the pecking order. McGregor at 36, has been impressive and has even become the no. 1 goalkeeper for Scotland of late and there seem to be no comeback in sight for Foderingham as long as Mcgregor is at the club. The 27-year-old has his contract until 2020, so the Gers can demand a decent sum for him. Rangers does have decent depth in the goalkeeping department so they can look to sell Foderingham in January.
Leeds fans might want to see someone more established and proven to come to Elland Road. Foderingham can do a job in goal but will he be a significant upgrade over Bailey Peacock Farrell? That is something we might have to wait and see.
However, given the situation at the club with William Huffer and Kamil Miazek as the only other options, signing the Rangers man would not be a bad idea. Plus we believe he shouldn’t burn a massive hole in United’s pocket and the 27-year-old can cost just around the £1m mark (educated speculation from our part).
A goalkeeper is an essential position in any team, and Peacock Farrell needs more time and competition to help in his overall development. The signing of the former England u-19 international should keep him on his toes, and we feel the Whites should make a move for the Rangers goalie if they don’t get their hands on some established and experienced names which they have been with linked so far. (Tom Heaton and David Stockdale).
