Why Leeds United must make a move for David Stockdale in January
Leeds United’s injury list continues to deepen and the latest to enter the treatment room is goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa confirmed in his press conference that Peacock-Farrell had suffered a knee injury. The extent of the injury is unknown but it leaves Bielsa light in the goalkeeping position as he earlier lost on-loan Chelsea star Jamal Blackman to a broken leg.
Injuries to Peacock-Farrell and Blackman means Bielsa has Will Huffer and Kamil Miazek as the only options at his disposal now. Keeping that in mind, a new signing in that position should be the top priority for manager Marcelo Bielsa in the January transfer window.
And as per the Birmingham Mail, Leeds could revive their interest in Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale.
The Whites signed Jamal Blackman on loan from Chelsea in the summer, but a nasty injury to the goalkeeper has seen him return to the Stamford Bridge.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who was promoted to the first-team by former manager Paul Heckingbottom, has come under fire of late for his subpar performances.
Peacock-Farrell has not been at his best so far this season, with the Northern Irishman most notably putting in a forgettable performance in the heavy defeat at the hands of West Brom.
And now that the 22-year-old has sustained a knee injury and Leeds appear a bit exposed in the goalkeeping position, Bielsa should make a move for David Stockdale.
The 33-year-old is way down the pecking order at Birmingham City under manager Garry Monk, failing to make a single league appearance this season. He has not even been named on the bench.
The former Fulham stopper should be willing to leave St. Andrews in the New Year to get regular game time elsewhere. He has volumes of experience playing in the Championship and has also played 39 games in England’s top-flight.
Stockdale would add some much-needed experience and stability to Leeds’ goalkeeping set up since he understands what it takes to succeed at this level.
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The 33-year-old’s leadership skills and the ability to keep his defence organised would make him so valuable for Bielsa’s Leeds. Keeping in mind his stint with Brighton in their promotion-winning season, Stockdale could be a shrewd acquisition for the Whites if he manages to recapture his form.