Paul Robinson: Leeds United can untangle red tape to sign Kristoffer Klaesson
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Leeds United will find a way to untangle the international red tape that could reportedly cause issues in their bid to sign Valerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson, according to Paul Robinson.
Norwegian newspaper Dagavisen reported in their print edition [21 July] that Klaesson, 20, does not currently qualify for a work permit in the UK based on their calculations as he’s well short of the 15 points required.
Dagbladet reporter Jonas Adnan Giæver reported that Leeds had applied for a work permit anyway. LeedsLive journalist Joe Donnohue reported there are ways to get around the point-based system as clubs can argue, upon appeal, that there are exceptional circumstances that stopped Klaesson winning his first Norway cap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In January, ex-West Brom manager Sam Allardyce bemoaned the impact Brexit had on acquiring work permits for overseas players [Sky Sports], something which Robinson touched on when asked whether he thinks Leeds will be able to gain international clearance for Klaesson.
“Leeds are in the same boat as a lot of clubs,” said Robinson to MOT Leeds News when discussing work permits.
“Sam Allardyce spoke openly about it when he was at West Brom last year about the problems they had with signing certain players.
“With him not playing for Norway, it could be an issue but I suspect, like everything, there’s a way and means around it.
“A lot of other clubs have done it.”
Nettavisen journalist Stian Andre de Wahl has recently reported that Norway Under-21 international Klaesson has his work permit approved last week ahead of signing for Leeds.
If all goes well and there are no hitches, he will become the third addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team this summer after Jack Harrison and Junior Firpo as he’s widely expected to be replacing Kiko Casilla as Leeds’ second-choice goalkeeper.
In other Leeds United news, this “brilliant” player has been left out of a matchday squad amid strong speculation linking him with a move to Elland Road.