Leeds United goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson is on the verge of completing a permanent transfer to Polish club Rakow Czestochowa, according to reports from Nettavisen. The 23-year-old Norwegian shot-stopper is set to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours before finalizing his move to the Ekstraklasa outfit.
Klaesson has struggled to make an impact at Elland Road since joining the club in 2021 from Valerenga. Despite being touted as a potential challenger to Illan Meslier’s starting spot, he has only made four appearances for the Whites and has fallen down the pecking order under manager Daniel Farke.
With only one year remaining on his contract, Leeds United have decided to cash in on Klaesson rather than risk losing him for free next summer. The move makes sense for all parties involved, as Klaesson will get the opportunity to play regular football in Poland, while Leeds United can recoup some of the transfer fee they paid for him three years ago.
Klaesson’s departure will be the latest in a series of exits from Elland Road this summer, following the sales of Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur and Jamie Shackleton to Sheffield United on a free transfer. The Whites are looking to trim their squad and bring in fresh faces as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season last year.
The Norwegian goalkeeper will become the second signing for Rakow Czestochowa this week, as the Polish club looks to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Klaesson’s move is expected to be finalized on Sunday, July 7, pending a successful medical.
Klaesson’s time at Leeds United has been a disappointment, to say the least. Many fans had high hopes for the young goalkeeper when he joined the club in 2021, but he has failed to live up to expectations. Despite his impressive performances for Valerenga in Norway, Klaesson has struggled to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.
His lack of game time has been a major factor in his decision to leave Leeds United, as he seeks regular football to develop his skills and further his career. Rakow Czestochowa, who finished third in the Ekstraklasa last season, offer Klaesson the perfect opportunity to do just that.
In other Leeds United news, the club is reportedly eyeing a move for a new goalkeeper to replace Klaesson. With Meslier established as the club’s number one, Leeds are looking for a reliable backup to provide competition for the Frenchman. Several goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Elland Road, including Chelsea’s Jamal Blackman and Manchester City’s Arijanet Muric.
Overall, Kristoffer Klaesson’s departure from Leeds United is a move that makes sense for all parties involved. The Norwegian goalkeeper will get the opportunity to play regular football in Poland, while Leeds United can recoup some of the transfer fee they paid for him three years ago. The Whites will now look to strengthen their squad with new signings, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season last year.