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Big club transfer could see Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier gain international recognition for France senior team
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier would need to secure a big move away from Elland Road this summer if he is to gain the “necessary step” to access the France senior team, according to Eurosport.
The talented youngster has been linked with big moves already in recent weeks with The Times reporting [14 March] the 23-year-old is on Chelsea’s shortlist of keepers as they seek a long-term replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Frenchman has since responded to the speculation [Ouest France, pg 28, 27 March], admitting that he has to be performing to a high level to attract interest from potential suitors.
And with Meslier also harbouring ambitions to be a regular for the senior France national team having featured nine times for the Under-21 side, broadcaster Eurosport [28 March] claims the 23-year-old would need to secure a big money move to access to force himself into Didier Deschamps’ thoughts.
“Didier Deschamps chose to make only one small surprise, among his three goalkeepers: Brice Samba. However, seeing the Leeds goalkeeper integrated into Group A in third position would not have been incongruous. With Alban Lafont, he represents the future of the selection at just 23 years old, and he becomes one of the pillars of Leeds in the Premier League.
“Our opinion: A transfer to a big club remains a necessary step to access the France team, and it seems ripe for it.”
Needs big move
A 23-year-old goalkeeper with international and Premier League experience will certainly be sought after in this day and age with many of Europe’s top clubs wanting goalkeepers they can rely on for a number of years.
Meslier certainly fits in that category considering his remarkable potential and obvious ability shown throughout his Elland Road career thus far.
Leeds United won’t be short of suitors and offers in the coming months and the 23-year-old will certainly need to consider his future ambitions especially if the club suffer relegation at the end of the season.
It’s a hard ask accessing the French senior side right now, with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan establishing himself as Deschamps’ no.1 right now, but becoming one of the options behind him certainly won’t be far from Meslier.
Indeed, he would need to secure a big money move, playing amongst the elite if he is to gain much international recognition. The 23-year-old is amongst one of the most sought-after young goalkeepers in Europe, but his platform at Elland Road may be deemed too small for him to perform at his highest potential.
In other Leeds United news, as one star potentially leaves the club are eyeing up a new bid to bring one back to Elland Road this summer.
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