Illan Meslier applauds the crowd after a game. (Getty Images)
According to the Daily Mirror, Leeds United are ready to activate on-loan goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s buy-out clause to seal a permanent transfer.
Young French goalkeeper Meslier had joined Championship outfit, Leeds, from Ligue 2 side Lorient in August. Having won the fans’ heart by putting up some eye-catching displays in goal, Leeds have now decided to buy the shot-stopper permanently.
Back in August, Leeds had inserted an option to buy Meslier permanently after signing him for a season-long loan from Lorient. The 20-year-old has been impressive so far and has kept clean sheets in two of the Championship games he has played so far.
Meslier had been warming the benches due to the excellent form of first-choice keeper Kiko Casilla, who has 15 clean sheets from 35 games. The experienced keeper’s top-form had seen the Whites grab the top-spot after playing 37 matches.
The Spaniard has appeared in 35 of their 37 matches so far, thus becoming one of the regulars in the side. However, Casilla faced a major setback recently after being banned for eight games. This opened the doors for the young Meslier, who has made good use of the opportunity by not letting a single goal pass through him in the two league matches he appeared.
It’s not the first time that the Frenchman has garnered attention as he stood out during his debut for Leeds in their FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in January. He won many praises and also the hearts of Leeds fans with his good distribution and saves despite their loss.
Having played for his home town club Lorient since a young boy, Meslier has represented his country France at every level and is a current France under-20 international.
Meslier also represented France in the 2019 FIFA under-20 World Cup. To name more, the youngster even received a call-up to the France under-21 squad last November, however, he is yet to appear for them.
Before making it to the Leeds first-team, Meslier had proved his potential with the Leeds under-23 side, saving three penalties. With Casilla banned at the moment, Meslier will feature in the remaining fixtures for Leeds as Marcelo Bielsa-led side get ready to end their 16-year exile from the Premier League.
Having proven his mettle already at the top level, Meslier would be a great future investment for Leeds, with Casilla about to turn 34 coming October. Also, being so young, Meslier still has time to improve and could develop very well.
