OPINION
Leeds United must attempt to sign Rangers’ second-choice goalkeeper Wes Foderingham in the January transfer window after it was confirmed that Jamal Blackman’s loan deal at Elland Road has been terminated early after breaking his leg.
The Whites announced via their official Twitter account on Saturday morning that Blackman’s time in Yorkshire has ended earlier than expected, which leaves Marcelo Bielsa with the task of finding himself a new goalkeeper in the winter.
? | "He has been an exemplary professional" #LUFC Director of Football Victor Orta expresses his sadness as Jamal Blackman returns to Chelsea
— Leeds United (@LUFC) November 16, 2018
Bailey Peacock-Farrell has started all of Leeds’ Championship fixtures this season but his form has been called into question recently, especially after the 4-1 defeat to promotion rivals West Brom at The Hawthorns last week when the Northern Ireland international conceded a couple of soft goals.
Other than the error-prone Peacock-Farrell, Leeds have no senior goalkeepers in their squad so signing a replacement for Blackman in January should be top priority for Bielsa and director of football Victor Orta.
Foderingham, 27, could be the perfect target for Leeds.
The Scottish Sun reported in the summer of 2018 that Steven Gerrard wanted the 6ft 1 (transfermarkt) shot-stopper out of Ibrox after Allan McGregor was signed to be the new number one.
However it was Jak Alnwick who was instead sent out on loan as he joined League One side Scunthorpe and Foderingham was left to fight for his place at Ibrox, but has only made four appearances in all competitions this season.
In January, Alnwick will return to Glasgow when his loan deal ends, which will leave Gerrard with three goalkeepers and the chance to have a go at offloading Foderingham once again.
Foderingham would not only be a solid back-up option to Peacock-Farrell, but he could also be a starting goalkeeper for Leeds as they aim to win promotion to the Premier League.
The ex-Swindon ‘keeper has done little wrong at Ibrox and it was only the return of Scotland number one and former Gers star McGregor that saw him lose his spot in the starting line-up.
Foderingham has experience of playing in Scotland’s top-tier, the Europa League and also knows what it is like playing in the English Football League having earned 131 league appearances with Swindon.
Leeds have to go out and sign up the Ibrox fringe player in the January window – they’re promotion hopes could hinge on signing a top goalkeeper.