Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier signs a new five-year contract with the Peacocks ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Frenchman joined the Peacocks back in 2018 from Lorient on loan. The deal got permanent in the following summer for around £6 million. The 21-year-old got the number one spot following the departure of Kiko Casilla last summer. The youngster has showcased his talent in his debut season in the Premier League, making 35 appearances and achieving 11 clean sheets with a 73% saving percentage.
Leeds United website has confirmed that the Meslier has penned a new long-term contract until 2026. The website further stated that the goalkeeper made a record last season by achieving 11 clean sheets. He broke the record of Joe Hurt of earning 11 clean sheets before turning 21-year-old.
The goalkeeper also expressed his emotions on the club’s website, saying he feels proud to sign a long term deal with a club like Leeds’ stature and feel honoured to be able to play Premier League football at this young stage. He said:
“I’m so proud, I’m very happy to sign a new deal with Leeds, a big club, so it was natural to sign and I have no doubts. I have the chance to play in the Premier League at 21, which is not a given for everyone and I feel very happy to play every weekend against big teams.”
Meslier signs a new long-term deal with Leeds:
The goalkeeper has showcased his talent last term in the Premier League that he has an excellent composure on the pitch despite his tender age. The 21-year-old is excellent with the ball and also an excellent shot-stopper between the sticks.
However, the biggest problem the Leeds’ goalie Meslier has in his game is concentration. The Frenchman made numerous mistakes last season which cost the Peacocks a few points. He made a total of nine mistakes and two of them led to goals. If the shot-stopper can rectify this part of his game then he has the ability to become one of the best goalies in the world.
Nevertheless, Meslier is still just a 21-year-old and has ample time to develop at Leeds United. The keeper could become an integral part of Marcelo Bielsa’s in years to come.
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