New Leeds United manager is ready to green light the exit of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan this summer after deeming him surplus to requirements in the first team, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The report states that the Argentinian boss has run the rule over the 34-year-old and is ready to sanction his sale, leaving just young shot stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell as the only option with any first team action under his belt, Felix Weidwald having already returned to Germany after his difficult campaign at Elland Road.
Lonergan, who stands at a giant 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt), made nine appearances across all competitions after returning to Leeds from Wolves last summer, and was said to be on the verge of a move to Sunderland in January before it fell through.
Opinion
Bielsa is playing a risky game by giving the green light for Lonergan to leave this summer, even if the veteran shot stopper did not live up to expectation after his arrival 12 months ago. The Whites suffered between the sticks and although Peacock-Farrell emerged as a bright light, they could still do with some experience to help guide the youngster through his formative years. Lonergan, with his experience and know how, could still prove to be a good tutor going forward, while offering more than adequate backup. Of course, Bielsa might be searching for a new first choice keeper, in which case Lonergan’s days look numbered, but selling him before bringing in his replacement is a recipe for disaster. All he can do is try to prove the new boss is making a mistake over the coming weeks in pre-season, or another exit from Elland Road is most certainly on the cards.