For Illan Meslier, going to Leeds was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Pushed to one side at Lorient in Ligue 2 after the arrival of Paul Nardi, the 19-year-old had to make a quick decision when the Elland Road side came knocking in the late stages of the English summer window.
In the end, he decided it was best for him to exit his comfort zone, as he told Goal France, and go work in the Championship, knowning full well he would have to sit behind Kiko Casilla, who has been Leeds’ number one under Marcelo Bielsa.
In fact, he quite likes it.
He said in the same interview: “For me, I have more time to work in my role as second goalkeeper. You can develop, polish the small things. It’s a bit like post-development, and I feel myself progressing week in, week out. But the number one is Kiko, and I respect that.”
However, the youngster admitted his current situation as number two cannot last ‘much longer’, even if he knows that, for now, he needs to be patient.
Leeds brought him in on a loan with an option to buy, which is a sign they might have big plans for him going forward.
Goal France asked him about that, to which he replied: “Why not (be Casilla’s replacement)… I went [to Leeds] to continue to learn and to finish my development. Maybe they’ll pass me the baton one day.”
As for whether it’s something he’s already talked about with the Leeds hierarchy, the youngster remained coy, but gave a small hint by smiling and saying: “Maybe”.
