During an interview with Football Insider, Noel Whelan has urged Leeds United to rival Celtic in pursuit of Fraser Forster. The Southampton goalkeeper is currently playing for Celtic on loan, but the Hoops are keen on securing his services permanently. Whelan believes Leeds should also join the chase, especially if they get promoted to the Premier League next season.
Fraser Forster’s revival at Celtic
Forster was one of Celtic’s key figures before he joined Southampton in the summer of 2014. While he was the club’s first-choice ‘keeper for the first few seasons, it turned out to be a horrible decision as the Englishman struggled to make his presence felt in the Premier League.
Especially in recent years, Forster has failed to establish himself as Southampton’s first-choice ‘keeper. As a result, he was shipped out to Celtic on a season-long deal last summer. And since then, Forster has managed to redeem himself, having become the first-choice ‘keeper for the Celts.
Indeed, the ex-Newcastle starlet has kept 14 clean sheets in just 28 league matches, conceding only 17 goals in the process. His performances in between the sticks have helped Celtic maintain their healthy advantage over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Should Leeds make a move for Forster this summer?
Forster’s prospects at Leeds United will depend on whether or not the club chooses to keep hold of Illan Meslier. In addition, they would also need to offload Kiko Casilla if the Englishman is to become the number one choice in between the sticks for the Whites next season.
Nevertheless, Forster’s vast experience in the Premier League coupled with his recent form makes him the frontrunner, if he does indeed move to Elland Road this summer. It is also fair to point out that Casilla has received a lot of criticism for his unconvincing performances throughout the course of the campaign.
The Spaniard has not been able to instil confidence in between the sticks and has made numerous unforced errors. Meanwhile, Meslier lacks experience at the highest level of football, thus raising doubts over his credibility in the Premier League.
Leeds United would undoubtedly need to invest in a goalkeeper this summer. Forster, in that regard, is arguably a better option compared to someone like Joe Hart, who has also been linked with a move to Elland Road. However, Marcelo Bielsa should ideally prioritise signing Ben White or at least another central defender before setting his sights on a goalkeeper.
