Leeds United’s search for a goalkeeper is set to continue after Rafael Benitez has ruled out (Leeds Live) a possible move for Karl Darlow this month. As per reports in Turkey, as cited by Leeds Live, the Whites are now interested in bringing Fulham’s custodian Fabri, who has failed to make a mark this season after a summer move. The 31-year-old has made just two appearances in the Premier League and has been the second choice to Sergio Rico.
His former club Besiktas reportedly want him back and La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano also seem to be interested. However, the player is keen to return to Turkey where he enjoyed two good seasons with Besiktas. Last season, he had made 43 appearances for the Turkish heavyweights in all competitions and managed to keep 13 clean sheets. It would be frustrating for the player as he was the first choice just a season back. This season, he has to sit on the bench at Craven Cottage.
Leeds United are in a desperate need of a goalkeeper after Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman broke his foot while playing for the u-23 side and had to cut short his loan spell. Bailey Peacock Farrell has been inconsistent in goal, and the Northern Irish international has been behind some glaring errors which have cost his team dear.
Bielsa even went on to confirm (Yorkshire Evening Post) that if not for the injury, he would have preferred Jamal Blackman in goal and that clearly showed that the manager had lost confidence in Peacock Farrell.
Fabri can be a decent bet for the Whites as he has a plethora of experience and the 31-year-old has been part of big competitions like the Champions League and the Europa League with the Turkish heavyweights. One can understand why the player is keen on a move to Turkey given the success he has enjoyed there.
So it remains to be seen whether the Whites would be able to lure him this month. Besiktas do have Lloris Karius at their disposal, and the German has a loan deal with them up until the summer of 2020. Therefore they might not spend on a goalkeeper at the moment.
The Whites though should look to solve their goalkeeping issues once and for all, and the 31-year-old Fabri can do the trick as he has decent abilities in between the sticks and can handle himself with the ball at his feet as well. Maybe the club would want a more marquee name to come through, but if Darlow or Tom Heaton aren’t available, then Bielsa should go through with this move for the Spaniard.
