Paul Robinson reacts as Kristoffer Klaesson arrives for Leeds United medical
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…
Paul Robinson feels Kristoffer Klaesson has the potential to become a “very good goalkeeper” as he edges closer to joining Leeds United.
Klaesson, 20, was left out of the Valerenga squad on Sunday amid reports he’s set to undergo a medical with the Whites this week [The Athletic].
Nettavisen journalist Stian Andre de Wahl has also reported that an agreement in principle has been reached between Leeds and Valerenga with the deal now subject to a work permit, medical and the Norway Under-21 international’s signature on a contract.
Robinson rates Klaesson but has some reservations about the deal.
Klaesson will be arriving at Leeds to be Marcelo Bielsa’s new second-choice goalkeeper behind Illan Meslier after Kiko Casilla left to join Elche on loan.
Unless Leeds sign another goalkeeper who’s got more experience then Robinson isn’t totally happy with this arrangement.
“If the lad comes in, I think he’s potentially a very good goalkeeper. But I think it’s a risk unless you sign an experienced one as a number three,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“There’s not much potential for him to play. If you look at his age and Meslier’s age, Meslier is the clear number one and at the moment, there’s no potential for the young lad to come in and play any first-team football.
“You would think he’d want to be doing that.”
Klaesson is only 20-years-old but has 57 appearances to his name in the Valerenga senior squad.
Meslier, 21, has 76 first-team appearances on his CV, with 46 of them coming in the last two seasons at Leeds.
Neither goalkeeper is experienced but if they can perform well, Robinson has little to fear.
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.