Leeds United must be under no pressure to sell Illan Meslier this summer as Chelsea transfer news emerges
Leeds United hold all the cards when it comes to Illan Meslier’s future as Chelsea weigh up a move to sign the French goalkeeper this summer.
The Times reported on 14 March that the French youth international was on Chelsea’s list of summer targets with the Blues looking to evaluate their goalkeeping options amid a contract stalemate with Edouard Mendy.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time, with the Blues believing that the French star is the ideal next big-money candidate for their youthful revival under Graham Potter.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano writing in his exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside [20 March], the Whites want to keep things quiet and not open any negotiations at this moment.
“Links with someone like Illan Meslier and a top club like Chelsea are normal, he’s a very talented goalkeeper and many clubs have sent their scouts to follow him”, he said.
“But at the moment, Leeds want to keep things quiet and not to open any negotiation now. Chelsea are yet to make a decision on the goalkeepers’ situation.”
The Whites are absolutely in their right to keep things sealed and hold off any negotiations for one of their star players with the club facing crucial weeks ahead in their quest to secure another campaign in the Premier League.
More importantly, though, Meslier’s contract at Elland Road runs until 2026 which means the club hold all the cards when it comes to his future at Elland Road. The West Yorkshire will be under no illusions or pressure to sell as they’ve tied him down for the long haul.
With the Whites facing a nerving relegation battle right now though, both parties will be hell-bent on ensuring their focus remains on securing their Premier League status.
And things are certainly looking up within the camp following their tremendous 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday [18 March].
Premier League safety will mean the Whites can play a strong hand when it comes to any potential interest in their key stars, and Meslier certainly won’t be the only player garnering interest this summer, with Robin Koch and Jack Harrison attracting interest from top English outfits in recent weeks.
Nonetheless, Meslier is certainly one of the best young goalkeepers around and will be subject to a big move in the near future, that much is clear. But, with his contract still having 3 years to run, the Whites can certainly command a hefty fee to sell regardless of whether they remain a Premier League side or not.
His future is firmly in Leeds United’s hands.
In other Leeds United news, long-planned contract negotiations have “not progressed” leaving Elland Road exit door open.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.