Claudio Bravo is a risk that Leeds United shouldn’t be prepared to take

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Last week it was reported that Leeds United was a possible destination for Manchester City outcast Claudio Bravo.

The goalkeeper was linked with a move to Elland Road by Chilean publication En Cancha. 

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa will know all about Bravo following his time managing Chile between 2007 and 2011.

The 36-year-old arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016 but has managed just 58 appearances in his four years at the club.

During 2019/20 he has played 14 games in all competitions but has largely been viewed as Ederson’s understudy.

Leeds fans have grown frustrated with Kiko Casilla.

The 33-year-old has been erratic this season and was beaten at his near post in defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

When Leeds do decide to replace Casilla between the posts they need a reliable pair of hands.

Bravo and reliable aren’t two words that typically go in tandem.

In 237 games with a successful Barcelona team, he kept 76 clean sheets and in 58 appearances for City, he has kept 18.

Leeds probably have the pulling power to attract Bravo but they should look elsewhere.

Illan Meslier was signed by Leeds in the summer and is very highly-rated.

At 19, he has years ahead of him and his form for the under-23 ranks has been good this season.

The Whites’ supporters are crying out for a change between the posts. Many have seen enough from Meslier to suggest he deserves a first league start.

Leeds are second in the Championship just a single point clear of the chasing pack.

They can ill-afford any more slip-ups in their quest to reach the Premier League.

Plans

It would seem that the club’s recruitment team will already have plans in place for the summer.

Bravo might well be on a shortlist of targets. His £80,000-a-week salary at City would probably suggest Leeds will need promotion in order to land him.

They should steer well clear though.

Meslier is young and extremely talented and if Casilla is forced out of Elland Road, Bielsa could do a lot worse than place his faith in the Frenchman.

Bravo is a risk that quite simply isn’t worth taking for Leeds.