Phil Hay has been speaking about whether or not Leeds United will be targeting a new goalkeeper in January.
There are a few areas of obvious concern to Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa in this transfer window, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper either on the sidelines or only just getting ready to return.
However, Leeds only have two first-team keepers in the squad, who have a combined age of 42 years old – with Illan Meslier the youngest number-one shot-stopper in the league at 21, while their backup Kristoffer Klaesson, who is a few months younger than the Frenchman, is yet to start a first-team game.
Do Leeds to sign a new keeper?
Yes!
No!
Despite this, speaking on The Phil Hay Show, Hay would be surprised if Bielsa brought in another ‘keeper this month with only two on their books at present.
He said: “I can’t see them doing a ‘keeper. I think they see Klaesson as second-choice. It’s a gamble, no doubt about that at all, but as ever, it’s less of a gamble if you get yourself into a position in the league where you’ve got a little bit of breathing space.”
TIF Thoughts on Leeds United’s goalkeeper situation…
Leeds brought in Meslier on a permanent basis last summer after he started 35 games in the Premier League, and this season, he appears to have stepped up another level, having currently racked up the second-most saves in the league (FBRef).
However, with great performances, comes interest from bigger clubs, and that could be the case with Meslier as he is still at the very beginning of his career and already an established number-one in the Premier League, so it may not be long until other top clubs from both England and on the continent come calling.
As for the current season, though, you can see where the risk lies for Leeds in having only two senior goalkeepers, but as Hay hinted at, the Whites may be able to ride the current wave of injuries without jeopardising their league position if they continue to edge clearer of the relegation zone before things hopefully calm down by next term.
In other news: ‘About time’, ‘Love this’ – Many Leeds fans ‘buzzing’ over Hay’s off-field update