Former Sunderland and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet believes Leeds United goalkeeper Ilian Meslier will remain at Elland Road in the future.
Meslier has been the centre of numerous reports in recent months linking him with a move elsewhere. Spanish outlet Sport even reported that the Frenchman was a target for Real Madrid following a long-term injury to Thibaut Courtois.
Football Insider later claimed that the Lilywhites were open to selling the 23-year-old and would continue to put him in the shop window throughout August until an adequate offer came in that could be accepted. However, Meslier stayed put with the Yorkshire club past deadline day.
Nevertheless, the rumours didn’t stop there. Football Insider further revealed that Leeds remain open to selling the former Lorient keeper and could look to offload him once the January transfer window opens.
Leeds United are said to be holding out for between £20-25 million for Meslier which may deter teams from making a move to acquire his services but Gus Poyet, formerly an assistant coach at Elland Road under Dennis Wise, believes Meslier will stay with the club.
Speaking in a recent interview with Football League World, the current Greece national team boss said [quotes via the Yorkshire Evening Post]:
“I think that Leeds made a very strong decision in giving Illan Meslier the opportunity to be the number one at Leeds and it is always difficult for goalkeepers to move.
“I would like the decision on his future to be made by himself because sometimes you get caught in the middle of a financial situation but the goalkeeper is a unique position,” he continued.
“You see many goalkeepers that are good enough to play but don’t get the opportunity because they are number two and sometimes you move thinking you are going to be the number one then things don’t work out. I can’t see him moving, I think he will stay at Leeds.”
Writer’s View
It’s difficult to agree with Poyet here. Meslier won’t stay at Elland Road if a substantial offer comes in for him as Leeds United will likely accept it.
Right now, it’s unclear if Meslier even wants to stay at Leeds but will have to wait until at least January before seeking a move elsewhere.
