Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton has claimed that Leeds United aren’t prioritising bringing in a goalkeeper this summer.
Leeds took their summer spending to over £90m with the arrival of Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra as Jesse Marsch looks to bolster his squad ahead of his first full season at Elland Road.
The American manager has brought in six players with the right-back, centre-midfield and attacking positions all covered, but despite a productive window that has seen the arrivals of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Darko Gyabi, Marc Roca and Tyler Adams alongside Sinisterra, Thornton has now admitted that the goalkeeper position isn’t at the top of the Whites’ shopping list.
He told GiveMeSport: “I know there’s been a lot of talk about goalkeepers. It’s a possibility, but having had a few conversations, the goalkeeping position has not really cropped up as a priority.”
TIF Thoughts on Leeds and a goalkeeper…
Do Leeds need a new keeper?
Yes!
No!
With Kalvin Phillips already out the door, the seemingly imminent departure of Raphinha to Barcelona could provide Victor Orta further funds to strengthen the team – and perhaps the club can then bring in another netminder.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post (via MOT Leeds News), the club may look to terminate Kiko Casilla’s contract a year early after he spent last season on loan at Elche.
Illan Meslier is the first-choice shot-stopper for Marsch, with inexperienced 21-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson as his deputy, and given the tender age of Meslier himself at 22, adding another pair of hands should perhaps be something those at Thorp Arch should be thinking about.
Outgoing Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has been linked and would be a shrewd addition amid all the money the club are spending, but it remains to be seen whether or not they look to bolster between the sticks.
So what if Meslier get’s injured? Madness
It’s all about back up and support. An ‘older’ experienced keeper would provide a step in for injury or fatigue – it just makes sense and would not cost too much. A new decent left back would reduce pressure on the goalkeeper too. Leeds have been wise to spend on the first team. I have a gut feeling that Sinertera might fill Raphinha’s boots better than expected but we shall see. Pleased to see the interest in ‘Dr Kildare’ has ended – a few shrewn singings now should complete the team. If Leeds have anything spare perhaps consider getting rid of a few non-performers from last season and dip into the transfer market during the season.
Klareson did well as stand-in last season in the game he had to. He’s underrated, needed time to adapt but will be fine. He has experience as first choice goalie from Vålerenga, not straight from youth only.