Kristoffer Klaesson has taken a ‘step down’ in salary after leaving Leeds United

Kristoffer Klaesson has revealed he has taken a pay cut to leave Leeds United. The goalkeeper joined Polish Ekstraklasa side Rakow Czestochowa on a permanent deal yesterday.

The move brought to an end Klaesson’s three-year spell at Elland Road. He made just three first team appearances for the Whites after arriving from Valerenga.

The 23-year-old shot-stopper featured just twice last term, recording clean sheets in back-to-back 3-0 victories over both Birmingham City and Peterborough United.

Read more: Leeds pull off transfer masterstroke and he ‘doesn’t stand for any messing’ as Newcastle know

Speaking to Norwegian outlet VG following his Czestochowa move, Klaesson said: “I don’t really want to comment on salary. It’s a step down, but I get to develop more in everyday life as a goalkeeper. Raków wants to win titles and I feel I can help them with that.”

Czestochowa sporting director Samuel Cardenas is pleaded to have added Klaesson to their ranks. “We have signed a player who has shown his skills and potential in the past. Kristoffer has almost the complete profile of a good goalkeeper, with skills in both classic behaviour in front of goal, as well as playing with his feet and positioning in the goal area,” Cardenas told Czestochowa’s official website.

“We believe that together with the coaching staff, we will help him reach an even higher level. We can’t wait to see him perform for Rakow.”

United are expected to bring in a back-up goalkeeper following Klaesson’s departure. The Whites have reportedly made a move to re-sign goalkeeper Alex Cairns from Salford City. Doncaster-born Cairns still has a year left to run on his contract with the League Two outfit.

Cairns progressed through the Whites’ academy, making one appearance for the senior side. He has gone on to play for a number of English Football League clubs since leaving West Yorkshire, including Chesterfield, Rotherham United and Fleetwood Town.