Four possible options for Leeds between the sticks in the January window
A look at four different candidates that Leeds could look at to sort out the goalkeeping situation.
It feels like ever since the start of the preseason schedule, we have been discussing the goalkeeper situation. The topic was originally who Thomas Christiansen would choose between Green and Wiedwald as his number 1.
He went with the latter, a choice that we all were unsure about at the time, but we trusted that Christiansen knew what he was doing. To be fair, we were all reasonably happy with the decision up until the bad form started, and many began to realize that Wiedwald lacked the basic attributes of a goalkeeper. We also saw the departure of Green and the signing of Lonergan.
Lonergan was signed to be the number 2 at the club, but due to Wiedwald’s inconsistency, he has become the interim number 1. However, as Lonergan’s performance at Brentford showed, we now need another goalkeeper, one with experience at the top end of English football.
So, here at NFS, we thought we would take a look at the possible options that Leeds could turn to in January window.
Adrián
The West Ham goalkeeper is number two to Joe Hart at the London Stadium. The Spanish international has pedigree in La Liga with Real Betis, and over 100 appearances for West Ham show that Adrián has the ability, experience and understanding to be a real asset to a club like Leeds United.
I think the European influence in his game would mean he would have a nice balance between shot-stopping and the sweeper keeper role that TC is looking for.
However, with Joe’s deal only temporary and lack of further cover for the Hammers, I would be very surprised to see David Moyes allowing Adrián to leave in January.
Lee Grant
Another alternative option is Stoke City’s Lee Grant. The experienced keeper would be a trusted and a good candidate for the difficult period after January.
Grant featured heavily for the Potters last season and was voted player of year after some solid displays. However, Jack Butland returned to full match fitness over the summer and will be the man between the sticks at the 365 Stadium going forward.
The only potential issue will be the length of Butland’s newest injury. The former Leeds loanee broke his finger on international duty last week and is due to be out until late December. If Butland struggles to regain fitness, Grant may be needed for Stoke beyond the January window.
Maarten Stekelenburg
After the vast amount of money Everton spent on Jordon Pickford, and after Pickford’s performances in recent weeks, it’s likely Stekelenburg won’t be getting much of a chance at Goodison this season.
The Dutch international has bags of experience at the elite level of football. I think he would be a wonderful addition and has played under another manager from the Johan Cruyff model in Ronald Koeman.
The only concern here would be the cost of Stekelenburg and whether the club would invest heavily in one position or whether they should be strengthening in numerous positions in January. I’d guess they’d choose the latter.
Alex McCarthy
The former Leeds loanee is a player we have been rumoured to be interested in a lot over the last few seasons. He has the experience at this level and has a feel of what it is like to be in goal for Leeds United.
I have always liked McCarthy and have always felt that he has much more to give than he has been allowed to over the last few years.
He is in the prime stage in his career and Leeds could be a defining move for McCarthy, but it’s a lack of competitive games in recent seasons which could be a problem.
We still have quite a few weeks before the window opens with a Christmas schedule to contend with, but the goalkeeping position is a priority in January and definitely needs strengthening if we are to push on towards the latter stages of the season. Poor recruitment in January has cost us in the past.
Let us know your opinion and who you like to see in goal from January on Facebook or Twitter. MOT.
