The Leeds United fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting a new goalkeeper to arrive at the club this summer, and recent reports suggest they are interested in signing Birmingham City’s David Stockdale.
According to Birmingham Live, Leeds want to sign Stockdale this summer but they remain short of reaching the valuation set by Birmingham. The 32-year-old is something of a Football League journeyman so it would be no surprise if he called time on his career at St Andrews after just 1 season with the club, however, Andrea Radrizzani should turn his attention towards another target in order to prove he has a genuine interest in pushing Leeds towards a promotion charge.
With that in mind, Radrizanni should finance a permanent deal for Man City’s Angus Gunn (valued at £1.8 million by Transfermarkt) this summer in order to provide Marcelo Bielsa with a number one who possesses raw potential at just 22-years-of-age.
The young goalkeeper spent the entirety of last season on loan at Norwich City where he impressed as the Canaries’ number one. Gunn certainly wasn’t mistake free and had a handful of nervy moments throughout the campaign, but his overall level of performance was an encouraging sign of things to come.
With 15 clean sheets to his name at Norwich and experience training alongside some of the best players in world football during his time at Man City, Gunn is well-placed to blossom into a fine young goalkeeper in the years to come.
Manchester City will certainly demand a higher transfer fee than what Birmingham would expect for Stockdale, but the move for Gunn should be considered as a worthwhile long-term investment for the club.
After all, goalkeepers have a lengthy sell by date and generally improve with age, so Radizzani would certainly get his moneys worth if he is prepared to fork out for Gunn.
It’s very early in Bielsa’s reign at Elland road, but it’s vital that Leeds get off to the best possible start under his leadership, and he will need his superior to be progressive in the transfer market to ensure the club step into a successful era with the Argentine at the helm.
Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
