Fans of Leeds United have been reacting to a post regarding Illan Meslier on Twitter highlighting that should Leeds be promoted, or the goalkeeper makes 10 first-team appearances, they will be obliged to sign the French U21 international for £5.03m.
19-year old Meslier, who has made one appearance for Leeds this season, is currently on loan from French side FC Lorient, with his only outing coming during the club’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the FA Cup.
However, with Leeds’ No.1 Kiko Casilla appearing before an FA disciplinary panel facing a charge of racial abuse, Marcelo Bielsa could be forced into introducing the French ‘keeper sooner than anticipated, as should Casilla be found guilty, he will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In reaction to the news, Leeds fans have been positive regarding Meslier’s future with the club, with many suggesting that he should be starting ahead of Casilla regardless, while others claim that his price-tag of £5.03 million is great value.
Ouest-France claims Leeds' option to sign Illan Meslier from Lorient has been set at €6m (£5.03m).
Furthermore, the French paper says Leeds MUST make his stay permanent upon promotion or when keeper makes 10 first-team appearances.— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) February 20, 2020
Maybe explains why he isn’t starting at the moment with Kikos poor performances
— James Coulborn (@JMCoulborn) February 20, 2020
For nothing. I’d give them the money right now.
— Sean (@ROI_LUFC) February 20, 2020
I would sign him up after his display against Arsenal. I know it’s only one game but he’s shown that’ll he’ll be a more than capable understudy to Kiko… And who knows, if Kiko does get banned could be no1 for the rest of the season if he plays well in that time
— Michael Rabbitte (@Neosmaster) February 20, 2020
£5m could be one of the steals of the decade if we go up. He could be our first choice keeper for many years.
— Gee Of OoO (@MrGumbOoO) February 20, 2020
Excellent news, get him signed up
— Stuart Corbett (@sjc1919) February 20, 2020
Sounds like a good deal.
— Jolyon Smalley (@jolyon_smalley) February 20, 2020
No wonder he’s not playing, he’s played once I think, if kiko gets banned 9 matches radz will be having nightmares
— Craig. (@bandforgood) February 20, 2020
What do we think?
Having impressed in the French second tier with FC Lorient last season, keeping nine clean sheets in 28 appearances, as well as impressing during Leeds’ 1-0 FA Cup loss to Arsenal earlier this season with a WhoScored match rating of 7.1, the future looks bright for the Frenchman.
Although it is admittedly a small sample size, the 19-year-old has impressed with the opportunity he has been given thus far, and with a fee of just £5.03 million demanded by Lorient, he could well be worth a gamble.