According to Dagsavisen (subscription required), as cited by Leeds Live, Leeds United were interested in Kristoffer Klaesson earlier this year. The Championship league leaders courted the Valerenga goalkeeper amid uncertainties regarding the future of Kiko Casilla. He eventually ended up remaining at Valerenga, though.
However, with Leeds United still facing similar problems heading into this summer, could Klaesson emerge as a viable option for Marcelo Bielsa this summer?
Who is Kristoffer Klaesson?
A product of the Valenrenga youth academy, Klaesson has been a part of the senior side since 2016, when he was promoted at the age of just 16. However, it wasn’t until the 2019 season when the goalkeeper first made his breakthrough in senior football, making 12 appearances in the corresponding Eliteserien season.
Since then, Klaesson has impressed the onlookers with his incredible reflexes and reliable presence in between the sticks. The young ‘keeper is majorly helped by the massive 1.89m frame that allows him to impose his authority around the penalty area. But more importantly, it enables the 19-year-old to cover a large area in goal.
Klaesson’s rapid development, however, has been stifled due to the Coronavirus. But, the goalkeeper has started the new season on a positive note, keeping a clean sheet in the win over Sarpsborg. But, with his contract expiring in 2022, a move away from Valerenga this summer could be the horizon.
Should Leeds United sign Klaesson this summer?
The goalkeeping department is one of the many areas where Leeds United lack substantial depth. The Whites have already had to deal with a fair share of troubles with Casilla, who is facing an eight-game suspension due to apparent racism. It has allowed Illan Meslier to become the first-choice keeper. The Frenchman is, in fact, likely to start the game against Cardiff City tomorrow.
However, Meslier is yet to make his loan move from Lorient permanent while Casilla’s future at the club remains uncertain, especially with the Spaniard struggling with form. And that’s where a move for Klaesson could make sense.
The Norwegian whizkid has shown immense potential in Eliteserien and should provide Meslier (if he stays at Elland Road) with an added incentive to fight for his place in the first-team. But more importantly, Klaesson is unlikely to cost a fortune, unlike other goalkeeping targets available in the market right now.
It could serve as a massive boost for a Leeds United side, which is set to undergo a busy transfer window this summer. Klaesson, in that regard, should be a cost-effective option in the club’s bid to solve their issues in the goalkeeping department.