The madness of the transfer window has hit the Elland Road with Leeds United reportedly eyeing a shock move for none other than Gianluigi Buffon. Italian outlet Corriere della Sera has made this bizarre claim, as cited by the Daily Mail in a recent report.
Yes, you have read it right! The Whites are desperate to grab a Premier League return after squandering the opportunity last season following a series of shocking outcomes in the decisive contests. Custodian Kiko Casilla made a few high-profile errors that led to heartbreak and the Whites are now eyeing a marquee name between the sticks to boost their promotion hopes next season.
The legendary Azzurri professional needs no introduction in the football circuit. His glittering career comprises of FIFA World Cup 2006, 9 Scudettos and 1 Ligue 1 title among numerous prestigious honours. The former Parma youth sensation became a goalkeeping icon at Juventus where he spent 17 years before moving to Paris St-Germain last summer on a one-year contract.
Buffon earned 176 senior caps for Italy before calling it a day but is yet to hang up his boots in the club football. At 41, he is certainly past his prime. Yet there is no shortage of suitors for the veteran as Fluminense, Porto and Leeds are trying to lure him in which could be his final move before retirement.
Although the Whites are competing in the second tier, the profile of Marcelo Bielsa and his project in West Yorkshire must be fascinating for Buffon to contribute on and off the pitch. Leeds have promising Bailey Peacock-Farrell in their rank, but the youngster was erroneous in goal which forced the gaffer to bring in Casilla during the winter window.
While the Spaniard was shambolic and failed to live up to the hype, the Italian phenomenon would be an asset for any side for his tremendous experience as well as the excellence of 24 years. His presence would allow Peacock-Farrell to flourish furthermore and work on his shortcomings as well as limitations to become Leeds United’s ‘number 1’ in the long run.
The Whites, however, are yet to bolster the squad this summer and battling it out to keep hold of their homegrown prodigies amid interest from top-flight heavyweights. The rumours must have stunned the supporters who could find this hard to believe but would undoubtedly be euphoric and overjoyed if Leeds United somehow manage to pull off a deal defying the odds.
