Leeds: Cross drops Meslier transfer claim

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier will have offers from several top clubs in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Beren Cross, with the journalist revealing in a recent Q&A on Leeds Live that, should Jesse Marsch’s side suffer relegation to the Championship this season, it would be difficult to imagine the France U21 international not being made several offers from clubs in Ligue 1, LaLiga and the Bundesliga this summer.

In response to a question regarding the future of the goalkeeper, Cross said: “Meslier would see some value in continuing to be a first-choice goalkeeper, but it’s hard to imagine he would not get offers to play in the top flights of France, Spain or Germany.”

Marsch would be gutted

Considering just how exciting a prospect Meslier quite clearly is, should the 22-year-old indeed move onto pastures new following the Whites’ potential relegation to the second tier this summer, it would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to Marsch and his side.

Do you think Meslier will leave if Leeds go down?

Indeed, over his 35 Premier League appearances last season, the £42.5m-rated shot-stopper was in breathtaking form, keeping 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 4.0 saves – the second-most in the league – and 0.3 successful runs out per game – with these returns seeing the Frenchman average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as the Whites’ fourth-best performer in the top flight.

And, despite the Whites’ struggles this term, the £41k-per-week ‘keeper has still performed extremely admirably over his 34 league outings, making an average of 3.7 saves – the joint-most in the division – and 0.6 successful runs out per fixture – with these metrics seeing the 22-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.89, ranking him as Marsch’s fifth-best player in the Premier League.

As such, considering his tender age, undoubted ability and potential for future development, it is clear for all to see that losing the services of Meslier this summer would be a disaster for the Whites – yet another reason as to why Marsch must do everything he can to beat the drop this season.

AND in other news: Sources: Orta eyeing Leeds bid for £19.8m-rated ace, he’s like “Messi inside the area”