According to Phil Hay, Leeds United are discussing whether to sign a more experienced backup goalkeeper to Illan Meslier.
Kristoffer Klaesson was brought in from Norwegian side Valerenga last July to play a supporting role to Meslier between the sticks. The 21-year-old has so far made just one appearance in the Premier League for the Whites, and none in any other first-team competition.
As per Hay, discussions are still ‘ongoing’ as to whether the Elland Road outfit feel they need another goalkeeping option, although it will only be as a second-choice behind Meslier.
He stated: “Discussions, meanwhile, are ongoing about whether or not to recruit a more experienced second-choice goalkeeper as cover for Illan Meslier. Leeds have youngster Kristoffer Klaesson as backup for Meslier, but they explored a loan deal for West Ham United’s Darren Randolph in January and are pondering the idea of increasing their choice of ‘keepers.
TIF Thoughts on a new backup…
Meslier is clearly Leeds’ long-term No 1 between the sticks, with him having played in all 38 games in the top flight last term – he came off against Wolves in the 3-2 victory with 35 minutes remaining, the only playing time he missed out on.
Do Leeds need a back-up goalkeeper?
Yes
No
In his article for The Athletic, Hay discussed Leeds’ attempts to sign Darren Randolph in January, and while signing an older head would provide experience for Meslier to learn from, it would push Klaesson further down the pecking order. The goalkeeping situation is hardly the reason for Leeds only narrowly avoiding relegation, so it is perhaps not the first position that needs improvement.