Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United want to bring in another goalkeeper this summer.
Under former manager Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds followed his transfer plans and strategy very closely which saw him operate with two ‘keepers in the first-team squad with a combined age of just 43, although Illan Meslier is seemingly playing at a standard belying his tender years, with the Frenchman attracting interest from top clubs such as Barcelona.
Jesse Marsch is now at the helm and currently overseeing his first transfer window as manager, having already added two new recruits in Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, with Marc Roca soon making that three – although he won’t stop there, according to Hay.
The Athletic journalist has been speaking on The Phil Hay Show about how Leeds want to bring in a more experienced ‘keeper this summer.
Do Leeds need to sign a new keeper?
Yes!
No!
He said: “There is a discussion going on at Leeds at the moment about what to do with the goalkeepers. Meslier will be first-choice again, but they are thinking about signing somebody more experienced to be backup for him.
“They’ve got Kristopher Klaesson, who I think they really like and who played really well in that game down at Wolves, but there is, I think, just a slight concern that if Meslier was to get injured long-term, they might need somebody a bit more proven there.”
TIF Thoughts on Leeds’ goalkeeper situation…
It could be a wise decision from Marsch and the Leeds board if they decide to bring someone in with more experience, because as good as Meslier has been between the sticks at Elland Road, he had some hairy moments last season, including one huge error against Newcastle United, so having someone with more experience in and around the dressing room could help him out in certain situations.
Having a more experienced ‘keeper that is perhaps at the latter end of their career and happy to be a bench option while passing on their experience to the younger shot-stoppers could well enhance Meslier’s development and ensure that when he experiences lows, he knows how to bounce back from them effectively.