According to the reports from Sunday People (17/11; page 50), Leeds United are interested in bringing in Birmingham City’s custodian David Stockdale. The 34-year-old was born in Leeds and is known to be a fan of the Yorkshire club. The Whites were even linked with him in 2018, but nothing had materialised then.
Stockdale hasn’t featured much for Birmingham City in the past year, and he had emergency loan spells with the likes of Southend United, Wycombe Wanderers and Coventry City in the past year. The experienced goalkeeper has featured once so far for Birmingham City this season. His appearance came in the Carabao Cup tie where his side lost 3-0 to Portsmouth.
Does Leeds United need goalkeepers?
The Whites could be handed a blow if Kiko Casilla is found guilty of racially abusing Charlton Atheltic’s Jonathan Leko. Some reports cite that Casilla could be banned for 8-12 games if something like that is proven. That will undoubtedly be a big blow for Leeds United as the Spaniard has done well in goal this season.
United have Illan Meslier as the second choice option who has joined on a season-long loan from FC Lorient. Meslier hasn’t played much at the top level, and it will be a big responsibility for him to feature in quite a few games during the busy phase of the season. Kamil Miazek is another alternative who can be slotted into the team as he plays for United’s reserve side.
Will Stockdale be a good option?
Stockdale is quiet clearly past his prime, and there is no way that Leeds United should look to go for him. The Whites should have a better target than him as they are chasing promotion to the Premier League. Moreover, Bielsa wants his goalkeeper to be able to play out from the back and be calm and assured in possession. Stockdale doesn’t have such qualities, and he will be a misfit in United’s starting eleven if he starts at the back.
Moreover, if the Whites aren’t able to trust Meslier to start when Casilla might not be available, then questions need to be raised about why was he even signed in the first place. It will be harsh on the youngster as well as he has been on the bench so far thinking that he is the second choice option, but now when there might be an opportunity for him to play, then the club is looking to sign another custodian.
Hopefully, the latest rumours regarding Leeds’ interest in Stockdale aren’t true. And more importantly, for the sake of greater good, Casilla hasn’t done anything wrong.
