Illan Meslier has been sensational for Leeds United this season. The French goalkeeper has broken records, grasped the chance to shine in the Premier League with both hands and learned along the way – and now, is probably one of the club’s most-prized assets. Dom Matteo has commented on the Frenchman, and his verdict is absolutely spot on.
Meslier, 21, has started all but one of the club’s 30 Premier League games this season and kept an impressive nine clean sheets. Though he has conceded 47 goals in those outings, Leeds have tightened up of late and Meslier has certainly become more confident – conceding just six goals in their last seven Premier League matches.
That has included clean sheets against Chelsea and Southampton as well as wins over Sheffield United and Fulham. Signed for a bargain £5million after impressing during his first season on loan, Matteo spoke of the kind of fee that the goalkeeper would require – amid reports that have suggested Paris Saint-Germain have taken a look at him, according to The National.
“Meslier has had a hell of a year,” Matteo claimed, in his Yorkshire Evening Post column. “A lot of players have had unbelievable seasons but when you look at players who would command a really high fee, Meslier has to be one. He’s got it all. Obviously he can still get a bit stronger and more physical and that will come with age.”
How much would he cost? Meslier has proven himself in the Premier League and not only that, he broke Joe Hart’s record of seven Premier League clean sheets before the age of 21, stretching it to eight before his 21st birthday. The fact he is being linked with a club like PSG will only raise his price tag, as will the fact goalkeepers last a lot longer than outfield men.
If Leeds got an offer of £30million, it is likely that Leeds would probably reject such a bid – unless Meslier pushed for a move, again, something that seems unlikely. But if anything above £40million came in for the stopper, then surely it would have to be considered. Unlikely, though.
