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Blues Linked With Swiss Keeper Thursday, 5th Jul 2012 10:08
Former Swiss international keeper Eldin Jakupović is reported to be set to hold talks with the Blues [and subsequently has been spotted at pre-season training]. The 27-year-old, who was close to joining Hull City after a trial at the end of last season before the change of management at the KC Stadium, is a free agent having left Greek side Aris, who were amongst Town’s opponents as they won the 1981 UEFA Cup.
Jakupović was born in Bosnia but moved to Switzerland due to the war in his home country. He started his career with another of Town’s previous European opponents Swiss side Grasshoppers, before moving on to FC Thun, also in Switzerland, in 2005.
A year later he was off to Russia to join Locomotiv Moscow with whom he was with for three seasons, although two were spent back at Grasshoppers on loan.
In 2010 the Kozarac-born keeper moved on to Greek club Olympiakos Volou before the 6ft 4in tall stopper joined Aris in 2011.
Jakupović represented both Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina at U21 level and won one full Switzerland cap before deciding not to play for his adopted country, reportedly for family reasons.
In 2009 Jakupović spent time on trial Spurs but their interest ultimately came to nothing.
A new number one is one of Paul Jewell's priorities this summer but with no one yet close to being recruited. Former Manchester United man Tomasz Kuszczak was his top target until the 30-year-old Pole decided to join Brighton.
Photo: Action Images
Photo: Action Images
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Looking at the above you tube clip he seems to love a good stylish dive towards the ball... Looks reasonable though and seems to talk (shout) at the defence which is t a bad thing
I agree COYB, he looks like he's an organiser at the back which with a young defence ie Smith and Cresswell then that's what we need. Also looks quite solid from the clip posted above.
@COYBitfc, a keeper talking to his defence is exactly what you need! Helps to avoid silly goals which is something we have been guilty many a time of the last couple of seasons. Looks pretty solid, could potentially be a great signing and he's only 27!
at 4.20 he punches what is an easy catch for a keeper but apart from a couple "one for the camera" saves he looks solid enough. Might be worth a punt as on a bosman
I know that's a highlights reel, but he does look like a communicator, looks like he stays on his feet until the last moment, and reacted fast once getting the ball and distributing it.
But it's a youtube clip, so I won't get excited, as I could make myself look like a world beater in a youtube clip lol!
We have a few keepers on trial (Swiss + German guys) to be assessed by the club. Its gives coaching staff a chance to see these guys in training and see how they interact with the players.
Loach and Williams (Colchester) are also genuine possibilities.
I think we are not too far away from signing a keeper or two.
According to Wiki he only made 1 appearance for Aris, the 22,800 capacity side in the Greek Superleague. Before that though his career looks good and apparently Barmby was interested in signing him for Hull. His wages shouldn't be high, as I doubt they pay much in Greece! Well worth a look and good evidence of our scouting network working.
He may be a good communicator and a good goalkeeper needs to have that, but what's his grasp of English like? He possibly does have at least a reasonabke command of English but if he doesn't it takes more than a few weeks over summer to learn in order for the new season. Apparently David De Gea, a quality keeper at Atletico suffered because his command of English wasn't good enough at the start of the season and that's certainly something we don't need.
Looks to have the continental trait of punching rather than catching but thats nothing to maon about - as long as you get the damn thing out of the area. I dont know how much you can tell from a video made by his agents. Never shows the ones he lets in. However he definately looks agile and brave and a good shot stopper. I can appreciate why we are looking at him. Certainly shows, as other have said, that our scouting network's improving