According to emerging reports in today’s Daily Mirror (p53), and as mentioned by the likes of Leeds Live and TEAMTalk’s James Marshment (Twitter – below), Leeds United are readying a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday stopper Keiren Westwood.
As it stands, youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell is United’s first-choice keeper, with depth provided by another youngster in Will Huffer – an England Under-20 international. Jamal Blackman was Peacock-Farrell’s deputy but a broken leg saw the gigantic back-up return to parent club Chelsea.
With some fans questioning Bielsa’s strategy of relying on youth, talk on social media has been on the topic of needing some depth in the goalkeeping department.
Daily Mirror reporting this morning that veteran goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is set to join Leeds on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday.
— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) December 11, 2018
Manchester-born Ireland international Westwood has been at current club Sheffield Wednesday since joining from Sunderland on a free transfer in July 2014. The 21-cap international has featured in 114 games for Wednesday (138 conceded/52 clean sheets), but has yet to feature under current manager Jos Luhukay.
Westwood would arrive at Elland Road in January with bags of experience. He has 270 Sky Bet Championship appearances to his name (299 conceded/82 clean sheets) and a further 146 games in the English leagues (19 Premier League/92 League One/35 League Two).
The72 verdict
Bringing in a stopper to Elland Road in January, considering the team’s current position in the table and goalkeeping depth, would seem to be a no-brainer. Westwood would be a great addition for the Whites, there’s little doubt about that. Would he come as a back-up though; that is the big question?
Bielsa was toying with the idea of dropping Peacock-Farrell before Blackman’s injury, however the young Leeds #1 has responded well to that. Should Westwood be willing to sign and deputise Peacock-Farrell, then it would be a very astute signing for Leeds United to make.