Real Madrid have shortlisted Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a potential replacement for Thibaut Courtois.
The Spanish side are currently in search of options after their first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury just before the start of the season.
BREAKING: Thibaut Courtois has broken his ACL. 🚨⚪️⚠️ #RealMadrid
“After the tests carried out on our player Thibaut Courtois, he’s been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days”. pic.twitter.com/Eywu1KJ4fX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2023
The Belgian stopper is definitely going to be out injured for most of the 2023/24 campaign. Thus, Madrid have started actively looking for replacements.
According to Sport, the recruitment team have began work on a shortlist of available targets. The list includes Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, former Manchester United keeper David de Gea, Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga and Dominik Livakovic of Dinamo Zagreb and Leeds United’s Illan Meslier.
Real Madrid have added Illian Meslier to their shortlist to replace Thibaut Courtois. (Sport)#MOT #LUFC pic.twitter.com/31uzYRRxbS
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 11, 2023
Meslier has always been a highly rated talent since he broke out at Lorient in 2020. The Frenchman joined Leeds in 2020 and has gone on to make over a 108 appearances for the club.
The keeper was a prodigy during his younger days, with Manchester United and Chelsea pursuing him during his time at Lorient.
Former Chelsea coach Christophe Lollichon had this to say about Meslier last year:
“Illan Meslier. It’s been almost three years since he started in the Premier League. He’s not far from being my future number 1 with the Blues, he has so many qualities.”
“I discovered this kid with Regis Le Bris, when he was reserve coach at Lorient. I followed him for two years, I wanted to bring him to Chelsea,”
According to the report, Madrid admire Meslier because his height and build is very similar to Thibaut Courtois and they see his current potential.
No offer has been made yet, but it is believed a bid around €20million would be enough to see the 23-year old leave Elland Road this transfer window.
