Illan Meslier could become victim of Leeds United system that once favoured him
Illan Meslier could eventually be shunted out in favour of young goalkeeper Robbie Cook if Leeds United see enough potential.
Leeds are strongly mooted to complete a deal for the 17-year-old Australian stopper, who has reportedly been offered a three-year contract following a trial [Alan Nixon, 15 December].
The teenager would move to Elland Road from Perth Glory [The Sun on Sunday, 15 December], and will be expected to progress in the club’s youth setup at Thorp Arch.
However, if he exhibits enough potential and builds on what plenty of interested clubs have already seen in him from Down Under, he could be knocking on the first-team door sooner than expected, which could in time threaten Meslier’s position.
Leeds United have shown faith in youngsters
Historically and even nowadays, Leeds United have taken such pride in their academy that plenty of teenage starlets have been thrown in at the deep end and excelled.
This applies to Meslier too, despite the fact he did not progress through the ranks – he was first brought in as Leeds’ number one at the age of 19, and five years between the sticks at such a huge club with an intense environment to succeed is an incredible achievement.
However, the Frenchman’s performances have been regularly sub-par this season with numerous high-profile errors potentially putting his side’s promotion bid on a knife-edge.
Should Daniel Farke and the club’s hierarchy be tempted to cash in on Meslier and seek an upgrade, Cook’s progress would be something kept under thorough consideration.
It could well turn out that the Whites’ long-standing first-choice ‘keeper could gradually become a victim of the very faith that elevated him into an established Elland Road performer.
In other Leeds news, a verdict is made on whether Max Wober could leave the club in January.
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