According to The Athletic, Illan Meslier is set for a contract extension at Leeds United. The two parties are in advanced talks over a potential new deal that will include a pay raise for the young goalkeeper. Meslier’s current contract at Elland Road expires in 2023, with the club determined to keep hold of the Frenchman for the long term.
Meslier’s Unprecedented Success At Leeds United
Illan Meslier’s loan move from Lorient was made permanent last summer for a fee of €5 million. The goalkeeper was coming on the back of a rather successful Championship campaign that saw him become a first-choice ‘keeper for Leeds United during the second half of the campaign.
However, there were doubts over his credibility of performing in the Premier League, with many questioning his timid figure or decision making abilities. Meslier, though, silenced his critics brilliantly, emerging as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Whites last term.
The Frenchman made a total of 35 league appearances, making a total of 134 saves. It averages to almost four saves per game, with the youngster also racking up a save percentage of 75%, among the highest in the league.
Meslier was criticised, at times, due to a few individuals mistakes, particularly during the first half of the campaign. But the 21-year-old improved his game brilliantly to become one of the most promising young keepers in not only England but also in Europe.
Stat courtesy: FBRef
A Good Investment For The Club
Illan Meslier’s potential contract extension at Elland Road could be a smart investment for the club. As iterated earlier, the Frenchman is undisputedly one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe, who has proven his mettle by performing well in his first season in the Premier League.
His imposing 1.96m figure, coupled with his quick reflexes and ability on the ball, may even make him one of the best in the world in the near future. As such, it would be a wise move for Leeds to keep hold of their prized asset for as long as they can.
There is no doubt that Meslier’s short-term future lies at Elland Road. He is expected to remain the club’s first-team choice ‘keeper, especially following the loan departure of Kiko Casilla, whose existent contract in Yorkshire expires in 2022.
Leeds United will certainly look to slowly integrate new signing Kristoffer Klaesson into a more prominent in the first-team. But for the moment, Meslier is the present as well as the future for the club, as they look to push for a European spot this season.
