Leeds United Take Interest In Wantaway Goalie Felix Wiedwald

Leeds United have an… interesting situation at goalkeeper. Robert Green played extremely well last season, but he’s 37. Marco Silvestri seems like the next guy up to start in net, but he’s both underperformed and is rumored to a move back to his native Italy. Bailey Peacock-Farrell has the potential to one day be a first team keeper, but for the time being, he’s raw and not ready yet. So at first glance, goalkeeper isn’t a position of need. But that won’t stop Thomas Christiansen in bringing in a new face.

Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

According to German outlet Spox, Leeds are among a number of Championship sides that have taken interest in 27-year-old goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald. The German keeper has asked to leave Werder Bremen, potentially thanks to Die Werderaner taking interest in Czech Republic goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka. However, Leeds will have their work cut out for them if they want to bring Wiedwald to Elland Road. Outside of also being rumored to be pursued by Norwich, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, QPR and Fulham, it’s Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes who are the reported favorites to sign Wiedwald.

Felix Wiedwald is a product of Werder Bremen’s academy but started playing senior team football away from the club. After two years with Werder Bremen II, Felix transferred to MSV Duisburg in 2011. He made 47 appearances for Die Zebras over the course of two years before transferring to Eintracht Frankfurt. After only 12 appearances at Commerzbank-Arena, Wiedwald left Die Adler to return to his childhood club. With Raphael Wolf struggling to stay healthy, Wiedwald entered his first season with the club,2015/16, as the first choice keeper. For you market value guys out there, Wiedwald (€2m) is valued higher than Green (€500,000), Silvestri (€500,000), and Peacock-Farrell (€100,000) combined. Of course, what looks good on paper doesn't always work out on the pitch, but those numbers alone are an encouraging sign. Wiedwald would be a welcome sight at Leeds, but it would likely signal the end of Marco Silvestri’s time at ER.

How do YOU feel about the chance at potentially getting a new first-team goalie for the next couple years? Let us know in the comments. MOT