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After having his appearances limited to just six, all coming in cup competitions, last season, Marco Silvestri looks on his way out after being pushed to third on Leeds United’s depth chart.
The 26 year old Italian shot-stopper is looking to play more regular first team football somewhere else, and reports say that he has left the Austrian pre-season camp to make a quick move to newly promoted Serie A side Hellas Verona.
Marco Silvestri has left Leeds United's training camp and is back in Italy to discuss a move to Verona. At an advanced stage. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) July 19, 2017
Marco Silvestri played for Christiansen in Monday’s behind closed doors defeat to Turkish side Bursaspor, but it is apparent that Silvestri will want to have a chance to start. After the addition of Felix Wiedwald, it is clear that Christiansen has other options in goal to consider, so a permanent move to Hellas Verona looks to be the best result for both parties.
In my opinion, I really want us to keep Silvestri, but I understand his search of first team football. If I were Christiansen, I would sell Rob Green while he could still go for something, and keep Silvestri to compete with Wiedwald. I think that would be my preferred option, but neither Silvestri nor Wiedwald have solid English football experience, whereas Rob Green does.
Also, with Oldham Athletic terminating Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s loan contract, Leeds would now be stuck with 4 goal-keepers on the team. Christiansen only needs 3 goal-keepers, and he would highly prefer two if the Silvestri deal goes through and they can find another team to bring in Peacock-Farrell on loan.
The former Italy U-21 international in my opinion will have a successful time at Hellas Verona, and I hope he can continue to make that club grow.
Moving forward, I expect Felix Wiedwald to claim the starting goal-keeper spot for this upcoming season, while Rob Green will mainly be used strictly as a cup goalie. I also expect Peacock-Farrell to find another team to be loaned out to, and I wish Marco Silvestri all the best of luck as he moves on to a new challenge.
What do you make of this move? What is your favorite memory of Marco Silvestri during his 98 total appearances for Leeds? Let me know down in the comments!