Manchester United has reignited their interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, aiming to strengthen their squad before the January transfer window. Reports suggest the Red Devils are actively seeking to bolster their goalkeeping options, making Meslier—asserted to be among the best keepers currently playing—an attractive target.
Leeds United’s manager, Daniel Farke, has praised Meslier as a ‘great shot-saver’ and stated he is the ‘best keeper in the league’ this season. Such high regard follows Meslier's impressive record, which includes securing 12 clean sheets across 22 Championship appearances this term, ranking second at this level. After joining Leeds from French side Lorient for just £5 million back in 2020, Meslier has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances for the club.
Interest from United is reportedly spearheaded by their goalkeeping scout, Tony Coton. Coton has been closely monitoring Meslier's performances at Elland Road, indicating he has significant faith in the young goalkeeper's long-term potential. This commendation for Meslier aligns with earlier interests, when the player had also been on United's radar back in 2021.
If reports from The Sun are to be believed, United’s interest is bolstered by recent scrutiny of their goalkeeping situation. While Andre Onana has had some decent outings, the lack of competition for the No. 1 spot is concerning, especially considering the recent performance of backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who struggled significantly during the League Cup match against Tottenham.
Should Bayindir leave Old Trafford as speculated, United may find themselves under even more pressure to secure Meslier's services quickly. Given Meslier's contract situation, which runs until 2026, Leeds is likely to demand more than the £20 million bid they reportedly rejected last summer. Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear hinted at the club's flexibility about future offers, saying, ‘We could’ve taken an offer for Illan, which would’ve been in the mid 20s,’ implying they might reconsider depending on their situation at the time.
Despite Leeds currently occupying automatic promotion places, their future remains uncertain, hinging on securing their spot back in the Premier League. This adds layers to the potential transfer, as Meslier's desire to play at the highest level could create tension should Leeds fail to secure promotion. Meanwhile, the allure of stepping up to play for Manchester United—European competitors—could tempt Meslier to push for the transfer.
The proposed move is not without its complications, particularly considering the rivalry between Leeds and United. Transfers between the two clubs have been rare, the last notable deal occurring nearly 20 years ago when Alan Smith moved to Old Trafford.
United's pursuit of Meslier brings with it uncertainty, especially due to some of the recent criticism aimed at the young goalkeeper. He faced backlash from fans during Leeds' battle against relegation, where his form came under scrutiny, leading to his replacement during the tail end of the season by Joel Robles. Reintroduced faithfully under Farke, Meslier must navigate the fine line between elevative expectations at Manchester United and the pressures linked with switching allegiances from Leeds.
Meslier's situation continues to encapsulate the dynamics of ambition and loyalty within professional football. The spotlight shines brightly as both clubs approach the transfer window, leaving fans eager to witness how this saga will culminate. For Meslier, moving to Manchester United could signify both immense career opportunity and considerable risk, subjecting him to greater challenges amid the sporting elite.
