Leeds United

Leeds United

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Leeds Utd add missing ingredient with confirmation of Joel Robles arrival, as Spaniard begins early charm offensive

New Leeds United goalkeeper Joel Robles

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of experienced goalkeeper Joel Robles on a free, and the Spaniard hit all the right notes in his first interview.

Leeds are in the unusual position of having two young goalkeepers as their frontline stoppers. No 1 Illan Meslier is 22, while back-up Kristoffer Klaesson is even younger at 21.

Kiko Casilla was on the books until this summer, though saw his contract mutually terminated.

That left Leeds on the hunt for an experienced option to ensure they would not be caught short if injuries hit.

Former Everton stopper, Joel Robles, emerged as their primary candidate. The 32-year-old Spaniard was a free agent after his four-year stint at Real Betis concluded earlier this summer.

Now, Leeds have confirmed Robles has completed a move to Elland Road via their official website.

Robles has penned a one-year deal and hit all the right notes when labelling the Whites a “special” club in his first interview.

Joel Robles reveals aims and objectives

Robles said (via Leeds’ Twitter account): “I’m really excited to be back [after four years away from England] at this fantastic club.

“Thank you to Leeds for giving me this great opportunity to be back because I think this is a special football [club] and I’m excited to come here.

“My objective this season is to keep my mentality and work hard and obviously help my team-mates to complete our objectives as a team.

“We have three goalkeepers and we’ll all work together to help the team. This is the objective for everyone and I say I come here to help as a team.

“I think the most important thing is [taking it] game by game. After the three points (versus Wolves), we play away against Southampton and it’s important to [get another] three points.”

The Yorkshire Evening Post previously reported the initial idea is for Robles to become the third-choice keeper.

However, if he impresses, he will be given license to supersede Klaesson as Meslier’s chief back-up on the bench.