Leeds United are now set to sign Joel Robles as one of their backup goalkeepers to challenge Kristoffer Klaesson as the number two.
This has been suggested by the Whites journalist Graham Smyth who has been speaking about the expected arrival on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road podcast.
The 32-year-old is currently a free agent having recently departed the La Liga side Real Betis at the end of the 2021/22 campaign following a three-year stint in Spain.
A new goalkeeper has been reported as one of the remaining targets for the Whites in this summer’s window having already brought in six new faces.
As the new campaign is set to begin this weekend, Smyth expects Leeds to complete the signing of the 32-year-old in the coming week:
(27:00) “Before we talk about Wolves, let’s talk about Leeds United’s incoming third goalkeeper. We’ve just learned, it’s Joel Robles. These things always happen at an inconvenient time, don’t they?
“The signing itself is likely to happen next week. Robles is a free agent after leaving Real Betis this summer. And we believe he’s going to come in to compete with Klaesson. He’s coming in as a number three goalkeeper, I think. ”
TIF Thoughts on Smyth’s comments…
Although this is probably not a signing which will excite the fans, Robles does arrive with Premier League experience having racked up 51 appearances during his time with Everton and Wigan Athletic (via Transfermarkt).
Is this a good addition for Leeds?
Yes
No
The Whites had been linked with the free agent Ben Foster this summer, however, given Illan Meslier played 42 times last season, there may not have been enough game time available to lure the Premier League veteran.
As Smyth believes Robles is coming in as a third choice, there may be the hope the Spaniard and Klaesson are able to push each other in case Jesse Marsch needs cover for Meslier.