Leeds United are to sign Kristoffer Klaesson, with a medical set for next week. According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, Leeds have moved for the 20-year-old Valerenga goalkeeper and now must wait on his application for a work permit.
Leeds United to Sign Kristoffer Klaesson Next Week
Back-Up
Leeds and Victor Orta have moved quickly to resolve the back-up goalkeeper position after the departure of Kiko Casilla. Phil Hay elaborates: “United’s director of football Victor Orta is understood to have met with Klaesson and his representatives in Norway shortly after Casilla’s departure and the goalkeeper is poised to accept Leeds’ offer.”
Klaesson has been long admired by Orta. He was one of the targets he considered when Leeds secured their current number one Illan Meslier. The young Norwegian is expected to start as the back-up to Meslier. But Klaesson is also good enough to push the Frenchman and quite possibly make appearances in the cup competitions.
Norwegian Youngster in Demand
The Mirror reported last week that Leeds would have a challenge on their hands securing their target. The report suggested that another Premier League club and La Liga club were also interested in Klaesson.
But these fears seem to have dissipated, in part because of Orta’s long-standing interest in the young goalkeeper. He spotted Klaesson when he made his breakthrough as an 18-year-old, and now with over 50 league appearances, the Norwegian has recently been called up to the national team.
Orta managed to develop a good relationship with Valerenga over the two years. Their Sporting Director, Jørgen Ingebrigtsen, told the Mirror: “Victor is one of the brightest in the subject. Leeds arrived on the scene in the summer of 2019 and have been very good. We have had a good dialogue with them.”
Brexit Bother
The UK’s new Brexit conditions have created new issues for clubs when it comes to trying to sign Europe’s young talent. As a result, Klaesson and Leeds have had to apply for a work permit in a hope that he has the potential, and enough points, to qualify to be signed.
With the young goalkeeper traveling over to the UK next week for a medical, there is clearly an air of confidence over this procedure it seems.
Klaesson Clearly a Keeper
Leeds have a long history of developing young goalkeepers. Paul Robinson, Scott Carson, and, to a certain extent, David Seaman, are amongst the highest achievers. More recently, Bailey Peacock-Farrell is currently with Burnley, and this season Illan Meslier has been a revelation.
Behind the Frenchman in the pecking order, there is 19-year-old Elia Caprile of Italy and 18-year-old Dani van den Heuvel of the Netherlands. Certainly a young, continental goalkeeping group at Elland Road and one in which the newcomer would be most welcome.
If Leeds United are to sign Kristoffer Klaesson they have high hopes of his potential. They obviously view him as one for the future, a real keeper.
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