Illan Meslier is likely to be out of the Leeds United matchday squad against Burnley on Saturday, with Lucas Perri now set to return to action following recovery from a muscle injury. The French goalkeeper is the third choice at Elland Road this season after spending a better part of five years being their undisputed number one.
Leeds wanted to sell the French goalkeeper in the summer after he lost his place in the team last season. However, even after waiting all summer, the club didn’t receive proper offers for Meslier, and he stayed put at Elland Road.
He is yet to play a minute of football this season. However, Perri’s injury paved the way for him to return to the matchday squad while Karl Darlow played as the man between the sticks for Leeds.
Ahead of the winter transfer, there is speculation that Inter Milan are keen to sign him if Leeds agree to cancel his contract and let him walk away as a free agent. However, Meslier is on the radar of a few more clubs, such as Celtic.
Celtic have their eyes on Illan Meslier
Meslier’s contract runs until the end of the season, but Leeds are reportedly pushing to move him on in the winter transfer window, even if it means making some financial sacrifice.
If the Whites agree to cancel his contract, more clubs are expected to come in and try to sign him on a free transfer in January.
According to 67 Hail Hail, Meslier is one of the goalkeepers Celtic are tracking and the club are considering taking him north of the border in the upcoming transfer window.
Kasper Schmeichel has committed a few mistakes in recent weeks, and the Scottish champions are keen to bring in a long-term replacement for the 38-year-old.
The Leeds goalkeeper’s contract situation makes him a target for Celtic, and the potential of signing him on a free transfer makes him an attractive proposition.
While interest from Inter could complicate matters for Celtic, the Scottish champions are still a big name and can offer European football to Meslier.
A move to Celtic could revive Meslier’s career
Meslier’s career has stalled, and no football since the end of last season has impacted his value in the market, and potentially, his development.
He does not have a short or long-term future at Leeds, and the club agreeing to cancel his contract in January would be the right thing to do.
A move to Inter could be appealing, but joining Celtic might be the smarter move. Brendan Rodgers is a man who would value his ability on the ball, and he would be the number one at Parkhead.
The Scottish Premiership may not rank among the world’s most competitive leagues, but it still offers a good level of football, and Celtic almost always secure European football each season.
He may have to agree to take a wage cut to move to Parkhead, but joining Celtic could easily revive his career, and they remain a big name in football.
Doing well for Celtic could pave the way for Meslier to return to the Premier League in the future with another club.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
