Illan Meslier has told the French press that he will be signing a three-year deal at Leeds United this week.
BBC journalist Adam Pope shared the update via his Twitter account along with a link to an interview the goalkeeper gave to French outlet Ouest France. The 20-year-old stopper joined the Whites on loan at the start of the campaign but hadn’t featured in the Championship up until February when he was called upon to replace the suspended Kiko Casilla.
Since then, he has made nine league appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, conceding four goals and keeping six clean sheets (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).
In response to Pope’s tweet, a number of the club’s fans flocked to the social media platform in order to react and here is what a sample of them had to say.
Look at us putting things in place & acting like a real club again, absolutely love it.
— Morley white (@morleywhites) July 21, 2020
This lad will be legendary
— Channi Patel??? (@ChanniPatel) July 21, 2020
Be a good signing , The boys a real talent ….
— Robert Wasteney (@lambrettarob66) July 21, 2020
Amazing signing imo, I’d happily take the current 2 keepers into the prem, but Meslier to be our #1
— Jacob Wadsworth? (@JacobWadsworth6) July 22, 2020
Is Illan Meslier ready to be Leeds' number one in the Premier League?
No
Yes
It’s clear from the above responses that these supporters were delighted to learn that it appears the Frenchman will be playing for the Whites next season and some have insisted he should be the club’s number one goalkeeper moving forward.
Gotta be the number 1. The kid has a huge future
— Boba (@MrBFett) July 21, 2020
It’s a week that just keeps giving
— AW (@AWwhite1) July 21, 2020
Our undisputed No 1
— Steve (@Swc242) July 21, 2020
Amazing news, needs to working on his distribution more but a really good player
— Aaron (@Beardman1983) July 22, 2020
Banging bit of news this!
— Paul LUFC (@Paullufc888) July 21, 2020
According to WhoScored.com, Meslier’s average performance rating in the Championship stands at a very respectable 6.82/10. Taking into account the player’s age and the fact he has spent the majority of the season looking on from the sidelines we believe that to be quite impressive.