Illan Meslier returned to a Leeds matchday squad for the first time this season in their 1-0 defeat at Fulham. Lucas Perri’s injury has left the door open for him to return to the scheme of things, but it seems unlikely that he will play this season.
Leeds were keen to offload Meslier in the summer transfer window, and there were talks over his transfer until deadline day. However, the Frenchman failed to secure a move and stayed put at Elland Road despite being the third-choice goalkeeper this season.
Karl Darlow’s performance against Fulham showed that he is unlikely to relinquish his number 2 position behind Perri, and it seems unlikely that Meslier will get any minutes this season unless something drastic happens.
The Whites are expected to move him on during the winter window, but with his contract expiring next summer, he becomes an attractive option for several European clubs, especially given his youth for a goalkeeper.
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Inter Milan are eyeing Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Lorient, Rangers and Valencia were among the clubs that had their eyes on Meslier in the summer, but he is set to attract better clubs due to his contract situation next year.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it, the Frenchman has been identified as one of the top names on Inter’s shortlist for next season.
The Serie A giants want to bring in a long-term replacement for Yann Sommer, and the club are looking at several goalkeepers across Europe.
It has been claimed that Meslier is one of the top three names in their shortlist of targets for the summer transfer window next year.
He will be out of contract at Leeds next summer, and Inter could afford his wage demands because of his free agent status.
However, the Frenchman is not the only goalkeeper they are assessing, and several other names are being looked at.
Leeds would want to sell him in January, but Meslier could wait until the summer
The Whites would want to let the Frenchman go in January to earn a fee from his sale. However, it makes sense for the Frenchman to wait until next summer.
As a free agent, he would be a much more attractive option, and he would be on the radar of big clubs such as Inter.
Meslier is still a talented goalkeeper who has age on his side and has built up a good reputation despite his recent struggles at Leeds.
Interest from Inter or other big names in European football would not be a huge surprise if Meslier is available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Leeds may find it hard to offload the goalkeeper in January, unless they are prepared to let him go on a free transfer.
