After signing permanently for the club from Lorient a year ago, goalkeeper Illan Meslier has signed a new long term-contract for Leeds United. The news follows manager, Marcelo Bielsa, extending his contract by another year. Leeds United now enter the new Premier League season with certainty over the futures of their number one and manager.
Illan Meslier Signs Long-Term Contract
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Initially, the story surrounding Meslier’s contract extension broke from The Athletic’s Leeds United writer, Phil Hay. Meslier has been a fan favourite in his first two seasons at the club. Under Bielsa, there is a strong feeling that he will only go from strength to strength. Last season, in Leeds’ returned to the top flight, following a 16-year absence, Meslier made 11 clean sheets as the side finished an impressive ninth- a league record for an U21 keeper.
Illan Meslier’s impressive form has seen him called up to the French U21 side where he is highly rated. France has boasted great talent over the years in this position: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and, more recently, Mike Maignan have all taken the role. If Meslier can continue his impressive form with Leeds then he will be in contention for the France number one spot in the near future.
Quiet Transfer Window at Elland Road
Aside from the player renewals: Meslier, Bamford and Dallas, there have been few incomings to Leeds this summer. Jack Harrison made his move from Manchester City permanent for £11.52 million. In addition to this, they signed Junior Firpo from Real Betis for £13.50 million and recruited two youth players in Kristoffer Klaesson (Vålerenga) and Lewis Bate (Chelsea); the former providing back-up to Meslier in net.
There looks little evidence to suggest that Leeds are to bring in more players before the end of the window this summer. However, they have never been one to go about their business in a loud manner: their record-breaking transfer of Rodrigo was kept under wraps. Regardless of their recruitment, the current squad will have to dig-deep this season if they are to replicate their successful debut campaign. The news that Illan Meslier has signed a new long-term contract for Leeds United.
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