Ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has given his verdict on the possibility of Mateusz Klich leaving the club in the January transfer window.
The midfielder joined Leeds back in 2017 from FC Twente and has played for them 192 times across all competitions, but American journalist Tom Bogert has recently claimed that Klich has reached a verbal agreement to join MLS outfit D.C. United.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said he wouldn’t ‘blame’ Klich if he left and believes he’ll be ‘gutted’ that he missed out on the World Cup due to a lack of game time with the Whites.
He stated: “I think the way his situation has been handled, I wouldn’t blame him for not wanting to stick around.
“He’s missed a World Cup because of his game time at Leeds, which he’s probably gutted about as he would’ve potentially been in that Poland squad.
“He played a very bit-part role, which is not what he’s used to and the way it’s been handled and his service to the club, he deserves to do what he wants to do.
“If he wants to get himself ready for a new MLS season, he goes with everyone’s best wishes.
“He’s been a fantastic servant for Leeds, but it’s very difficult to give everything to your employers when you’re not overly happy with them.
“If, God forbid, he was to get injured or anything like that, it just doesn’t make sense the decisions that have been made so there’s no point in risking any injury or anything like that between now and the first game of the MLS season.
“He’s a player who’s naturally fit and won’t struggle to get fit for the new MLS season. From my point [of] view, I’d take him away from the situation, get rid and let him start a new chapter.”
TIF Thoughts on Robinson’s comments…
We believe that Leeds are at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to Klich, as he clearly wants to play more often and the club see him more as an impact player these days.
The Polish midfielder has played 11 Premier League matches this season but is yet to start a game and only averaged 18 minutes per match.
With his fairly consistent appearances as a substitute, it seems that manager Jesse Marsch sees him more within the fringes of the Leeds squad.
Klich is 32 years old, so from his perspective, he would surely prefer to spend as much of the last few years of his career as he can playing every week.
A move to MLS could well achieve this, especially given he’s an experienced player having featured in the Premier League, Championship and Dutch Eredivisie over the years.