Manchester United eyeing up Illan Meslier as a long-term David de Gea successor
According to Sun (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United are eyeing up a move to sign Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a long-term successor to David de Gea.
The 22-year-old Meslier has been one of Leeds’ best players since they got promoted to the Premier League in 2020. He has only improved since his first season in the English top flight.
The Frenchman has his contract at Elland Road expiring in the summer of 2026 (Transfermarkt). But, if the Yorkshire-based club get relegated from the league this season, they would not have much option other than selling their number one goalkeeper.
Given their current form and placement in the table (19th), it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Leeds go back down to the Championship at the end of this season.
United are apparently on the lookout for a successor to de Gea, whose contract at Old Trafford expires in the coming summer (Transfermarkt). Along with Meslier, they are also in the race for Brentford stopper David Raya.
Both Raya and Meslier are good on the ball and are naturally good shot-stoppers. However, they are not as good as de Gea. The latter is probably the best when it comes to shot-stopping. He does have problems with the ball at his feet.
There are talks that United are aiming to land a compromise and extend the Spaniard’s contract for wages less than what he is currently earning. It remains to be seen whether that negotiation ends up well.
More Manchester United News:
- Spain ‘want’ Manchester United forward and Argentina U20 international Alejandro Garnacho to switch national allegiance
- Erik ten Hag ‘plotting’ double Manchester United swoop for Yassine Bounou and Castello Lukeba
- Chelsea and Manchester United ‘alerted’ with PSG forward Neymar available
If not, then getting Meslier would be a good choice. The 22-year-old is now an experienced Premier League goalkeeper with great skills and unending potential to become one of the best in the world.
