The Coronavirus might have stopped Leeds United’s impressive run, but the break will also give the club time to think about future moves and possible transfers. The Whites were dealt a significant setback when Kiko Casilla was banned for eight games. However, that will give youngster Illan Meslier a chance to impress. In his brief few appearances, the on-loan goalkeeper from Lorient FC has done well at Elland Road.
Alex Bruce has his say on Meslier
Former Leeds United defender Alex Bruce believes that Leeds United are looking to tie down Meslier on a permanent move.
Speaking to Football Insider, Bruce said, “You get an opportunity every day in training (on Meslier impressing in training). When you have a manager who’s really hands-on on the training pitch, as Bielsa apparently is, obviously he’s going to see what’s what. Obviously, he’s done well, he’s popular around the place, so I’m sure they’ll be looking to tie him down if he does well.”
Why should Leeds sign Meslier?
Even when Casilla was not facing a ban, there were quite a few supporters who were calling for Meslier to start in place of the Spaniard. The French custodian managed to impress in the tie against Arsenal in the FA Cup where he made some crucial saves. The Whites lost that tie, but Meslier took his opportunity well. Since then he has been in the running to play first-team football, and with Casilla, now banned, the youngster will get a good run in the first team.
Phil Hay of the Athletic had revealed that the Whites could sign Meslier for £5m. Given today’s transfer market valuation, £5m for Meslier could turn out to be a massive bargain for the Whites. The Frenchman is still just 20, so he can improve a lot further.
Meslier is composed with the ball at his feet and some of his passing against Arsenal was majestic. The sample size is too small to judge him entirely yet. Hence, the next few games could be crucial for him. It remains to be seen though whether the Whites will trust Meslier to continue as first choice when Casilla becomes available again. Going in the Premier League with Meslier as the first choice custodian could be risky given his inexperience.
However, every top player is inexperienced at one point, and only when he is given enough chances, he can show his true potential. One thing is for sure to us atleast, and that is the Whites should go ahead and sign him permanently for the quoted figure.
