Leeds loanee Illan Meslier has impressed in recent weeks and according to Football Insider the club was hoping to make him a permanent player by activating a clause in his loan deal.
A £5m fee could be in the offing and the Whites were believed to be keen on completing a move prior to the opening of the summer transfer window, as that clause expires in mid-May.
However, that possibility could now be off the table due to the impact of the pandemic, and the hit to finances the club has incurred as a result.
The players and management deferring their wages offers an indication into the seriousness of the situation, particularly now as the windfall they would have received from promotion may not come.
Would you like to see Meslier sign permanently?
Yes
No
Such an increase in funds could have meant Meslier’s fee was a drop in the ocean, but if we face another year in the Championship it would be quite a hefty fee to spend, especially when he has been second choice this season.
Interestingly, though, Football Insider suggest we will attempt to sign the keeper regardless of promotion, which shows Marcelo Bielsa is a big fan of the young talent.
It is possible he views the 20-year-old as the long-term successor to Casilla, and since he hasn’t put a foot wrong since the Spaniard’s suspension, it looks like Bielsa is right to trust him.
In fact, Meslier hasn’t conceded a goal in his two league matches against Hull and Huddersfield, therefore showing tremendous composure to keep things under control in difficult circumstances.
Bielsa marked him out for praise against the Tigers, too, saying the shot-stopper was “calm, confident, he took risks, good in the aerial play, gave us a feeling he is confident.”
He has shown a great attitude for a player so young and inexperienced, and if he continues to progress then £5m could prove to be a bargain.