Leeds United’s summer target, Jamal Blackman is also on the transfer shortlist of Dutch outfit, Vitesse. The 24-year-old spent the 2017/18 season out on loan with Sheffield United but is still under contract with Chelsea. The Blues have previously conducted business with Vitesse who are currently in the Eredivisie.
The Dutch top-flight side has enough clout to attract a permanent or loan agreement for the English goalkeeper. This could be a huge blow for Leeds, who are currently without a first choice goalkeeper after the departure of Felix Wiedwald to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Blackman is a highly rated figure in the EFL Championship after his impressive performances last season for the Blades. He had made 31 appearances for Sheffield and is eager to get regular playing time next season after making clear progress at Bramall Lane.
The 6 feet 6-inch shot-stopper was a massive hit with the Blades fans and lot of the United faithful were reportedly keen to bring the goalkeeper back to South-Yorkshire. Now they have taken a different route by announcing the signing of Dean Henderson, on loan from Manchester United.
Blackman is a product of the Chelsea youth system but a complete stranger to the club’s senior squad. He joined the club’s U13 side but to this day, he has not made a single appearance for the first team.
The 24-year-old FA Youth Cup with the U18 side and has 44 games and 14 clean sheets registered to his name for the Blues U23 quad. Like many of Chelsea’s young assets, he too has been on a series of loan spells away to clubs like Middlesbrough, Ostersunds FK, Wycombe Wanderers and recently Sheffield.
He has also been capped 7 times in total for England’s U16, U17 and U19 side. The goalkeeper did get a call-up for the U21 team but did not get to feature in a single game.
The road to professional recognition has been tough despite being in the prestigious youth ranks of a title contending side. Blackman did get to show his abilities last term and now has the chance of furthering his development by taking over the goalkeeping role at Elland Road.
The Whites are looking to make a refurbished run for promotion next season and would ideally need all their key figures in place.
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Bielsa is already on the lookout for more additions to the squad and should definitely take the next step at convincing Blackman to make his way over to West Yorkshire.
