Signing these goalkeepers would help Leeds deal with Jamal Blackman’s absence
Leeds United were forced to terminate the season-long loan-deal of promising goalkeeper Jamal Blackman after the Chelsea academy graduate suffered a broken tibia while in action for the Whites’ U23 outfit last week. Leeds ended the game against Birmingham City U23s with a 3-0 win but the injury soured the mood somewhat.
Blackman joined the Yorkshire club on loan from Chelsea for the entire 2018/19 campaign but the 24-year-old was restricted to just two first-team appearances that came in the Carabao Cup, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell being the undisputed No.1 at Elland Road.
However, the injury to Blackman leaves Leeds a bit exposed in the goalkeeping position heading into the second half of the season. A new signing in the position should be the top priority for manager Marcelo Bielsa in the January transfer window. To that end, here are two shot-stoppers that the Whites should look to bring in as a replacement for the injured Blackman.
Tom Heaton (Burnley)
The 32-year-old is behind Joe Hart and Nick Pope in the pecking order at Burnley and has made his unhappiness clear over his current situation at Turf Moor (h/t Mirror). And Leeds should look to swoop in and sign him in the January window on a loan deal till the end of the season.
Heaton is a vastly experienced campaigner and has helped Burnley achieve promotion to the Premier League on two separate occasions. The 32-year-old has been a reliable figure between the sticks and has over 180 appearances in the Championship and understands what it takes to succeed at this level.
Having been an integral part of two promotion-winning teams, he would also bring in the know-how and experience needed for Leeds to make the leap back to the Premier League. His natural leadership skills and the ability to keep his defence tight and organized can be valuable tools for Bielsa’s side as well, making him an ideal option.
Fraser Forster (Southampton)
Another goalkeeper that is surplus to requirements at his club, Fraser Forster is an option that Leeds should look at in the winter transfer window. The former Celtic goalkeeper was a mainstay at St. Mary’s for three years since moving down south in the summer of 2014.
However, a string of erroneous displays at the start of the last season has pushed him behind Alex McCarthy and summer signing Angus Gunn in the pecking order for Mark Hughes’ side. The 30-year-old hasn’t played a single game this season and his last appearance for Southampton came in December last year, in a 5-2 mauling against Tottenham.
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The England international has accumulated over 100 Premier League caps and has experience in the lower divisions as well, having turned out for Norwich City, Bristol Rovers and Stockport County in the League One previously. Despite him not having played senior football for close to a year, Forster has what it takes to be a solid backup option for Leeds.
