Leeds United are honing in on a return to the English top-flight after a turbulent 16-year absence and it means their plans for the summer can finally be put in motion.
One thing that seems set to happen is making goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s loan move a permanent one following a string of impressive performances as Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice.
The young Frenchman has stepped in for veteran Kiko Casilla, who has only just finished his eight-game suspension for racial abuse.
According to Phil Hay, the Spaniard may not have a future at the club and the ever-reliable The Athletic reporter claims that keeping Meslier on is absolutely what Leeds plan to do
In response to fans on Twitter, Hay said:
option is Leeds’ to take up. £5m/£6ish I think
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 12, 2020
yes, that’s the plan
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 12, 2020
This is quite huge news as the Yorkshire giants are prepared to splash in the region of £5m to £6m on a relatively untested shot-stopper.
The 20-year-old has never played in the top-flight during his career but has been capped at U20 level for his national side.
It also means that Bielsa has one less position to worry about going into their first Premier League campaign in one-and-a-half decades.
Are Leeds right to splash £6m on Illan Meslier this summer?
Absolutely!
No way!
In eight appearances this campaign, Meslier has kept five clean sheets and has only leaked four goals, two of which came in his only league defeat between the sticks against Cardiff City.
He could well be one for the future and this update should come as majorly encouraging news for the Elland Road faithful.