Blackburn Rovers secure Swedish goalkeeper Leopold Wahlstedt
Leopold Wahlstedt Credit: Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers have officially announced the signing of 24-year-old Swedish international, Leopold Wahlstedt, from Norwegian top-flight club Odds Ballklubb for an undisclosed fee.
Wahlstedt, a highly-rated goalkeeper, has committed to a three-year term, marking Rovers' fourth acquisition this summer.
Wahlstedt began his professional journey in Sweden, debuting for Dalkurd FF in August 2018 when he was merely 19.
After a brief spell at Arendal in Norway, he secured a significant move to Odds BK.
The Swedish keeper's consistent performances have seen him amass 64 appearances in three seasons, boasting an impressive eight clean sheets in 17 games this season alone — the highest in Norway’s top division.
Internationally, Wahlstedt's talents were recognized with his inclusion in the Sweden senior team in September 2022, culminating in his debut in a 2-0 victory against Finland in January 2023.
Wahlstedt was present at Ewood Park as Blackburn commenced their Championship season with a triumph against West Brom.
Upon completion of international clearance and visa formalities, he is set to don the number 12 jersey for the Rovers.
Gregg Broughton, Rovers’ Director of Football, expressed his elation over the signing, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Leo to Blackburn Rovers.”
“We have monitored his progress over the past 12 months and, in addition to his excellent shot-stopping, Leo's ability to play out from the back is at a very high level.
“Succession planning is a straightforward exercise in theory, but in real life is reliant upon timing factors that are often out of your control.
“We are grateful that, following Thomas Kaminski’s departure, we were able to put our plan into place and sign a goalkeeper with such high potential.”
