During an interview with MOT Leeds, Paul Robinson has urged Leeds United to sign Tom Heaton. The former Whites’ stopper believes the club needs a new goalkeeper and should look towards the Aston Villa star in the summer.
“I’d love to see them go and sign Tom Heaton in the summer. I think he would be a great signing for Leeds. He’s back from injury and one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in my opinion. I think there’s an opportunity for him to come to Leeds. It would be a great move for both parties.”, Robinson told MOT Leeds.
Do Leeds United Require A New Goalkeeper?
Leeds United’s decision to preserve their trust in Illan Meslier has worked out quite well for them this season. The young Frenchman has emerged as one of the most exciting ‘keepers in the Premier League, with his performances in between the sticks being hailed by fans and experts alike. He notably starred in the recent defeat to Wolves.
However, Leeds United have lacked depth in the goalkeeping unit, with second-choice Kiko Casilla not doing himself any favours. The ageing Spaniard hasn’t done much to regain Marcelo Bielsa’s trust, notably featuring in goal during the 3-0 defeat to Crawley Town in the FA Cup. He is yet to keep a clean sheet in any of the three competitive matches he has played so far.
In addition, there have been questions regarding Casilla’s lack of consistency. Although the former Real Madrid man does have a contract until 2023, a move away from Elland Road could also be on the horizon, thus accentuating the need for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Is Tom Heaton An Ideal Option?
Aston Villa have enjoyed a lot of success with the acquisition of Emiliano Martinez. The former Arsenal man has become their first-choice goalkeeper and one of the best performing stoppers in the league this season. His success, though, has come at the expense of Tom Heaton’s downfall.
Indeed, the 34-year-old has been relegated to football in Premier League 2 this season, falling behind Martinez in the pecking order. An ACL injury earlier last year didn’t help his cause either.
However, the Englishman has undeniable experience at the highest level of football. He has featured in 200 competitive matches for Burnley as well as has 116 appearances in the Premier League. He has even won three caps for the English national team while winning the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, although he didn’t make a single appearance.
At Leeds United, Heaton could be an ideal replacement for Casilla. The Aston Villa man has a considerable amount of experience in English football, which could be helpful in guiding a youngster like Meslier. He could be available for a cut-price as well, as the Villans look to reshape their goalkeeping unit this summer.
