Paul Robinson shares Illan Meslier replacement verdict as fresh Leeds exit talk emerges
Paul Robinson has urged Leeds United to keep Illan Meslier this summer despite the goalkeeper being linked with a move away from Elland Road.
The Athletic [14 June] have suggested that the Frenchman’s position could be an “appealing prospect” for potential buyers as Leeds attempt to raise funds to combat PSR issues.
At 24 years of age, Meslier has shown a lot of potential at Elland Road but some fans are sceptical of the ‘keeper. But with two years still remaining on his contract, Robinson has urged Leeds to keep him.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “He’s a good goalkeeper. I think he’s top-class. He had a bit of a wobble at the end of the Premier League season, losing his place as Sam Allardyce tried to keep the team up.
“He’s still a young goalkeeper. People tend to forget his age. He’s going to have peaks and troughs like that. I thought his first season under Bielsa was outstanding, but he lost his way in the second season.
“I’m not surprised that he’s been linked with a move away. Everyone is susceptible to a bid due to the PSR situation and the fact that the club are still in the Championship.
“He’s not a player I’d particularly like to see go. He’s one of the better players, but he’s not unsellable. I wouldn’t like to see Summerville go, Gnonto go. There are a lot of players I wouldn’t want to see leave, but you have to cut your cloth accordingly in the Championship.
“With regards to Meslier, I think he’s had a good season, keeping a lot of clean sheets and making a lot of saves, and he seems to be back where he was when he first arrived in the Premier League.
“He’d be very difficult to replace. So, I wouldn’t be surprised, but I wouldn’t want to see him leave.”
Could Leeds United sell Illan Meslier for profit this summer?
Having arrived at Elland Road on a £5million deal from Lorient, as per BBC Sport, Leeds could be set to make significant profit on Meslier if he were to be sold this summer.
Despite his critics, Daniel Farke kept his trust in the 24-year-old shot-stopper this season, seeing him start 44 of Leeds’ Championship fixtures, keeping 18 clean sheets in the process.
If the Whites were to move Meslier on this summer, it would be an incredibly difficult task to replace him ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ stance on an Alfie Gilchrist loan has been revealed.
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