One might be losing count now on how many goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Leeds United in the past one odd month. We have another name to add to that list and it is Southampton’s, Fraser Forster. Latest reports from The Sun suggests that Leeds United are looking to finalise a deal for the former Celtic keeper who has fallen down the pecking order at St. Mary’s and is currently the third choice stopper.
He was the no. 1 up until the December of 2017, but since then, Mark Hughes started preferring Alex McCarthy in goal who has firmly established his spot as the first choice keeper. Along with that, Angus Gunn is now the second choice after he was signed in the summer of 2018 from Manchester City.
New manager Ralph Hasenhuttl gave a clear indication that Forster’s situation isn’t going to improve and he is likely going to be sold. The Austrian boss said, ”I had to make the choice to have two strong keepers with Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy and I think they did it well. Both. It will always be like it is if you have good experience made with one keeper then you don’t look for another one.
“It can be that Fraser can take a game in the Under-23s, because he needs to get back in a position where he is an option for other clubs maybe, and that is what we try to force in the future.”
His words would definitely indicate that the 30-year-old custodian is up for grabs and maybe the Whites can finally have their man if they get down to the business of bringing the 6ft7inch goalkeeper to Elland Road. Forster also has 6 national caps for England but it is fair to say that he is nowhere in the picture currently to make it through to the Three Lions lineup.
Real Madrid custodian Kiko Casilla has been heavily linked (Daily Mail) with a move to the West Yorkshire so it remains to be seen which option the club might go after. Ever since the injury of Jamal Blackman, United have been looking to bring someone to add depth and competition for places with Bailey Peacock Farrell.
Forster, however, is definitely a decent bet as he has a commanding presence in goal and his ball handling is good. However, certain errors had crept into his game when he was a regular for the Saints so he might have to improve on that front. However, despite all that, the Englishman would be a reasonable signing for Bielsa if he decides to go for him in this window.
