Arriving on loan from FC Lorient with a clause to make the move permanent if Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, Illan Meslier’s development at Elland Road was far more precocious than first anticipated.
Thrown it at the deep end when Kiko Casilla was suspended towards the end of last season, the young Frenchman never really left his spot between the sticks under Marcelo Bielsa, and spent the entire season in the top flight as the number one.
His performances earned him a lot of plaudits, which in turn attracted some attention, including some from Paris Saint-Germain, who are thinking about the post-Keylor Navas era.
However, it seems Leeds have struck gold with Meslier, and there will be little incentive down their end to sell him, regardless of who comes knocking.
Yvon Pouliquen said: “Paris Saint-Germain are watching, but Illan’s goal is to play. He had his first season in the Premier League. He needs to confirm. Going to Paris Saint-Germain to take over from Navas in a year or two and not play, what’s the point? His progression will be greater by playing at Leeds.
“He left Lorient to not sit on a bench. At Leeds, he arrived on the bench, but he played a lot of U23 games before becoming a starter in the Championship and in the Premier League. From the off, he was programmed to be the starter in two years. It just happened quicker”.
So, it seems there is little desire from Meslier to leave Elland Road any time soon, and that will be a big relief to Bielsa and the rest of the Leeds fanbase.
