Food for thought: Do Leeds United Need A New Goalkeeper In The Summer?
Leeds United are in need of strengthening a lot of areas in the squad this summer as the club attempts to rebuild after a disappointing Championship campaign. However, the fans may be left wondering if the club should focus on the goalkeeping department.
Since Felix Wiedwald suffered a massive drop off in form in the middle of the season, Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been Paul Heckingbottom’s choice between the sticks and although the 21-year-old has played brilliantly, it would be a huge statement if Leeds were to not dip into the market to try and find an upgrade on the young shot-stopper.
With PR problems currently swirling around the club relating to their decision to take a preseason trip to Myanmar, the move to try and find another goalkeeper appears to be just a sideshow for owner Andrea Radrizzani but it is an issue he will have to address as his side continue to be unable to make an impact on the league.
The current nominal first choice at Leeds is Felix Wiedwald but the German has not had a look since Paul Heckingbottom’s arrival and the former Werder Bremen keeper would be better off looking for opportunities elsewhere when the season is over.
This leaves the Yorkshire club with Peacock-Farrell and Andy Lonergan who is currently on the bench. The ageing keeper almost left for Sunderland on deadline day in January and may well be looking for a club that would be willing to let him play more than he has for Leeds this season.
If these set of circumstances come to pass, then Paul Heckingbottom may well find himself with just one goalkeeper by the time pre-season training starts, and therefore he will be forced to look for a replacement.
Reports have recently linked them with current Sheffield Wednesday keeper Kieran Westwood but they will have to compete with both Southampton and Celtic to complete that signing, which would be a hard job for Radrizzani.
If Leeds are not able to find a replacement for Wiedwald, then Bailey Peacock-Farrell has already proved that he can step up to the plate but if Andy Lonergan decides it is time to go, then Leeds will have to find themselves a new goalkeeper.