Real Madrid reportedly expressed interest in Leeds United’s Illan Meslier in response to Thibaut Courtois’ knee injury, and he has now suffered a second setback after appearing to be on the mend.
Leeds have been brilliant defensively since the turn of the year, with no goals conceded in the league from open play and only three overall.
Illan Meslier’s comeback has been critical to this, as he appears lot more confident between the sticks than he did in 22/23.
Real Madrid was previously interested in signing Illan Meslier.
Meslier’s status had plummeted following relegation, with goals flying past him on a regular basis en route to 19th place.
Despite this, the summer of 2023 brought transfer interest from Real Madrid, according to Spanish source Sport.
Los Blancos’ admiration for the Frenchman stemmed from the fact that they faced a lengthy period without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who injured his ACL and required surgery to repair.
Instead, the La Liga giants signed Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan for the season.\
Real Madrid could reignite Meslier interest this summer after a new Courtois setback.
The Belgian’s recovery from ACL trauma appeared to be going well and ahead of schedule, but this week he suffered a significant setback.
It has been discovered that he had surgery again after suffering a meniscus tear in his other knee.
There is no timetable for the ‘keeper’s return to duty in 2024 or later, but it may force them to act during the upcoming summer timeframe.
This comes shortly after a piece from the same Sport showcasing Meslier’s surge in form under Daniel Farke, implying that Madrid may not have required him with Courtois on the mend – but that position has now dramatically worsened.
Meslier would be naïve to leave Leeds for the heavy pressure of Real Madrid, but it is worth mentioning given prior interest.
