Leeds United look to promote Harry Christie to new first-team role after Elland Road exit
Leeds United are looking to promote Harry Christy to the role of third-choice keeper following new developments at Elland Road, according to Leeds Live.
The outlet reported on its website on Sunday (7 July) that the 20-year-old looks set to step into the first-team fold this summer after Kristoffer Klaesson’s transfer away from the Championship was confirmed.
Klaesson has joined Polish side Rakow Czestochowa on a permanent deal leaving only the exit-linked Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow as Daniel Farke’s current first-team options at Elland Road.
Reports had suggested the Whites would look to quickly recruit a new keeper to replace the outgoing Norwegian [Joe Donnohue, 7 July] but it now appears they could well promote academy star Christie instead.
Are Leeds United close to any new signings in the summer transfer window?
While Leeds United supporters are crying out for some sort of incoming transfer news this summer, promoting Christy from within the ranks at Elland Road this summer does feel like a sensible call from the Whites.
The young keeper will have learned a lot from his time in the youth sides, but he will likely further his development at a quicker rate if he is in and around the first team and working with the likes of Meslier and Darlow day in and day out.
In an ideal world, Leeds would want the 20-year-old to be their first-choice stopper in the near future and while that is unlikely to happen between now and the end of next season, a greater role in first-team action can only benefit Christy.
On top of that, while a third-choice keeper wouldn’t exactly break the bank financially, promoting from within the academy will ensure Farke has more money to spend on mre important areas in the coming weeks and months.
It will be interesting to see what approach Leeds take now that Klaesson’s exit has been confirmed. They don’t want to leave themselves short of options, but they cannot afford to block the pathway for academy talents.
In other Leeds United news, Diego Llorente has issued a new message to Roma supporters amid a new transfer update at Elland Road
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