Rob Page, the manager of the Wales national team, has come out in support of goalkeeper Danny Ward and criticized the complexities of the transfer market that have kept Ward on the fringes at Leicester City. Despite being Wales’ number one goalkeeper, Ward has not featured for Leicester in over a year and currently sits as their third-choice goalkeeper.
In preparation for the upcoming Euro 2024 play-offs, Page had advised several Wales players to seek more playing time by moving clubs during the January transfer window. While most players followed this advice, Ward encountered obstacles in securing a move away from Leicester due to contractual obligations and financial considerations.
Page empathized with Ward’s situation, acknowledging the challenges players face when trying to navigate the politics of the transfer market. Despite understanding Ward’s predicament from a player’s perspective, Page highlighted the frustration from a managerial standpoint as Ward’s lack of game time could affect his readiness for international competition.
Ward has been limited to appearances for Leicester’s under-23 side to maintain his match fitness. Page commended Ward for his commitment to staying active and recognized the effort Ward has put in to stay prepared, even if it meant playing at a lower level than desired.
While Ward’s situation at Leicester remains unresolved, Page emphasized the importance of focusing on the positive aspects, noting that the majority of the Wales squad are actively playing regular football and performing well. As Wales gear up for the Euro 2024 play-offs, Page remains optimistic about the team’s cohesion and readiness for the challenges ahead.
