Paul Robinson has urged Leeds United to keep Illan Meslier this summer, amid reports linking the goalkeeper with a transfer away from Elland Road.
The Athletic [14 June] said that the Frenchman’s position might be a “appealing prospect” for potential bidders as Leeds want to acquire finances to battle PSR concerns.
Meslier, 24, has shown a lot of potential at Elland Road, but some fans are skeptical of the goalkeeper. But with two years left on his contract, Robinson has encouraged Leeds to keep him.
He told MOT Leeds News: “He’s a good goalie. I think he’s exceptional. He struggled toward the end of the Premier League season, losing his place as Sam Allardyce attempted to keep the squad in contention.
“He is still a young goalkeeper. People often forget his age. He will have peaks and troughs like that. I believed his first season under Bielsa was fantastic, but he faltered in the second.
“I am not shocked that he has been linked with a move away. Everyone is open to a bid because of the PSR position and the fact that the team is still in the Championship.
“He’s not a player I’d like to see leave. He is one of the best players, but he is not unsellable. I don’t want to see Summerville or Gnonto depart. There are many guys I would not want to lose, but you have to cut your cloth in the Championship.
“With regard to Meslier, I believe he’s had a wonderful season, keeping a lot of clean sheets and making a lot of saves, and he appears to be back where he was when he first arrived in the Premier League.
“He’d be incredibly difficult to replace. So, while I wouldn’t be surprised, I wouldn’t want to see him leave.
Could Leeds United sell Illan Meslier for a profit this summer?
According to BBC Sport, Meslier came to Elland Road for £5 million from Lorient, and if he is transferred this summer, Leeds might make a large profit.
Despite his detractors, Daniel Farke continued to trust the 24-year-old shot-stopper this season, starting 44 of Leeds’ Championship games and maintaining 18 clean sheets.
If the Whites let Meslier go this summer, it would be extremely tough to replace him before the 2024/25 season.
