Youth is likely to get more of a chance with Leeds United next season after relegation. The best of the best in the Thorp Arch ranks will have their fingers crossed if they can make a good pre-season impression they may just get their foot in the Championship door.
Two of those with high hopes are currently away with Norway’s under-21s ahead of the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Georgia and Romania. Kristoffer Klaesson has largely been restricted to under-21 outings with Leeds, while compatriot Leo Hjelde spent half of last term on loan with Rotherham United.
While they spend the next few days facing off with the likes of Illan Meslier and Wilfried Gnonto at the Euros, Elland Road’s top brass will be formulating its squad plans. With Meslier expected to depart and Joel Robles currently set for release on June 30, Klaesson will have realistic hopes of being next season’s first-team back-up stopper.
Nick Hammond and the incoming head coach will have their own ideas on the goalkeeping department, but there is at least a window of opportunity there for the 22-year-old. Hjelde's chances could be even better.
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The 19-year-old has already had first-team exposure under Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, while he received positive reviews during his loan at New York Stadium in the second tier. With Junior Firpo expected to move on and doubts around Pascal Struijk and Max Wober too, Hjelde is likely to be a squad player the next head coach calls on.
Crucially, the impression they have made behind the scenes at Leeds has ticked plenty of boxes too. Captain Liam Cooper was asked about them by a Norwegian journalist ahead of Scotland’s clash with their nation this week.
“Two great kids and very good lads, obviously involved in the under-21s with Norway,” he said. “Leo went out on loan last season and did very well at Rotherham.
“I'm quite close with Kris as well. it must be so difficult for lads like that coming into a new country, being so young, but they're really good lads, really polite lads.
“I've got nothing but good things to say about them and hopefully they can go on to have an unbelievable career at both club and country.”
Klaesson and Hjelde face Scotland’s under-21s in a friendly on June 18 before facing Switzerland on June 22, Meslier’s France on June 25 and Gnonto’s Italy on June 28 in the Euros group stage.
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