OPINION
The writing is on the wall for Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
The Leeds goalkeeper was the number one for the final few months of last season after seizing his opportunity granted by the erratic form of Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan.
The senior pair have subsequently left Elland Road for good, with Wiedwald joining Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this summer and Lonergan having his contract terminated last week.
But that double departure does not further cement Peacock-Farrell’s status at his boyhood club. Far from it.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman is set to take over as the first choice at Leeds in the upcoming season after agreeing the terms of season-long loan.
It is said that the 24-year-old will undergo a medical and finalise the temporary transfer in time to feature in United’s pre-season friendly opener against Forest Green next Tuesday.
Certainly, Blackman is more experienced than Peacock-Farrell and proved during his spell at Sheffield United last season that he can thrive in the demanding Championship.
But the 21-year-old incumbent did the same in his 11 consecutive league starts at the end of last season, when, along with Pablo Hernandez, he was arguably Leeds’ outstanding player.
It will be a major blow for the youngster to be demoted to the role of deputy after his impressive showing under ex-boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Clearly, new boss Marcelo Bielsa wants a goalkeeper who can not only keep the back door shut but also operate on the front foot and start off attacking moves.
Blackman is set to be given the chance to show he can succeed where Wiedwald and Lonergan failed.