Former Leeds United goalkeeper Elia Caprile ‘deserves’ a big move to Serie A after leaving the Premier League outfit, his agent argues.
It is difficult to disagree.
Caprile has been arguably the finest shot-stopper in Italy’s second tier this term. Only two goalkeepers have kept more than his 13 clean shirts from 32 appearances.
And, such is his form, Champions League quarter-finalists and runaway Scudetto leaders Napoli are reportedly weighing up a summer move. And, even if Bari miss out on promotion, agent Graziano Battistini is keen to see his client test himself against Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Victor Osimhen and co in 2023/24.
“(Caprile) is improving. He demonstrates athletic, physical, technical and mental qualities,” Battistini tells Tuttomercatoweb.
“He deserves a chance in Serie A, without a shadow of a doubt. The most important thing now, however, is that he must continue like this, because Bari is also trying to improve.”
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Elia Caprile now a Napoli target
Caprile, capped twice by Italy at U21 level, spent two and a half years at Elland Road. He failed to make a single first-team appearance under Marcelo Bielsa at Jesse Marsch in West Yorkshire.
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Such has been the speed of his progress since leaving last summer, La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno believe that Bari may be able to demand a considerable sum for his services if the likes of Napoli step up their interest. A fee, perhaps, in the region of £5 million.
“Obviously, a start like this surprised everyone a bit,” Battistini, told TuttoBari back in October following the 21-year-old’s outstanding start to life at the Stadio San Nicola.
Form he has maintained over the preceding six months.
“I hoped that Bari could give him confidence. Once this happened, Elia demonstrated all his worth and everything came as a consequence,” Battistini adds. “I was aware that all this could happen. Now we just have to continue like this.
“Playing in Bari gives him important visibility. I believe that, at least in Italy, (other clubs) have noticed that Elia Caprile exists. I hope he produces a good season and we manage to achieve important goals.”
Napoli may be in the market for a new glovesman in the coming months. Pierluigi Gollini is only on loan from Atalanta while £30 million Alex Meret is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
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