Leeds United have done well in the Championship so far, but it cannot be denied that they will need to improve their squad if they make it to the Premier League. Marcelo Bielsa has primarily worked on a thin team without rotating many of his players. But we expect things to change if the Whites get to the promised land.
Goalkeeping is one area where many would expect a signing. Kiko Casilla is currently banned from playing, but even when he was available, he didn’t instil much confidence with his exploits in between the sticks. Illan Meslier, who is only on loan at the moment, is currently filling in for him.
The Frenchman has impressed, but relying on an inexperienced candidate like him in the Premier League could cost them. Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan recently urged the Whites to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth.
Whelan Believes Ramsdale Will Be A Good Signing
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said, “I think he (Ramsdale) would be a good signing. A British player and a goalkeeper who is of a good age. He is a really good prospect. A player that would definitely improve Leeds, there is no doubt. I remember one of the FA Cup games he made some fantastic saves.”
“There could be an exodus of players if Bournemouth go down. His contract may have a clause and the club may have to cut down the wage bill. I would choose Ramsdale over Kiko Casilla. He is calmer, more level-headed, and I would say more trustworthy. I think if he came to the club, he would be number one.”
Whelan also indicated that Ramsdale would become the first choice goalkeeper over Casilla. It cannot be denied that Ramsdale has done well for the Cherries even though they have struggled as a team. There have been many occasions when the 21-year-old has managed to rescue his side.
Why might Bielsa not go for Ramsdale?
However, it cannot be forgotten that for a goalkeeper to work in a Bielsa system, he would need to do the job of a sweeper-keeper as well. The Whites like to build up from the back, and the goalkeeper plays a crucial role in distributing the ball from deep areas.
Ramsdale might be a good shot-stopper, but he is not the best when it comes to playing out from the back. Obviously, he is still 21, so he can improve on that front. But Ramsdale might not be a standout option in Bielsa’s eyes. The Argentine has always insisted that he will only sign new players if they are clearly better than the current options they have. Hence, contrary to Whelan, we think that Bielsa might not see Ramsdale as a more standout option.
