In news just coming through, Leeds United have confirmed their second deal for next season with news that young French goalkeeper Illan Meslier has signed on at Elland Road on a permanent deal from French side Lorient.
As expected, it is a three-year deal for the tall French youngster – something that he himself let drop earlier this week in words carried by Ouest France and an interview they did with him.
Meslier joined the Whites on loan from Ligue 2 side Lorient and was signed ostensibly as a back-up to former Real Madrid shot-stopper Kiko Casilla. That proved to be the case, Meslier getting just one outing at the beginning of January in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.
That all changed after Kiko Casilla’s eight-game ban was imposed for him racially calling out Jonathan Leko. Meslier started 10 of the last 11 Leeds United games, conceding just 4 goals and keeping 7 clean sheets.
✍️ #LUFC are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a three-year deal
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 23, 2020
On his capture, Meslier said:
“It’s unbelievable, we are in the Premier League and today I’ve signed for Leeds United permanently, so I am very happy. It’s a dream come true because next season we are in the Premier League. My objective when I arrived was to stay here, Leeds is perfect, the supporters, club and stadium, along with the team is unbelievable, so I always wanted to stay.”
Here’s an interview that he did talking about his new deal:
Leeds United complete the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a permanent transfer, signing a three-year deal.
Here he is talking about Leeds’ promotion and his hope that the club will bring back Ben White.#LUFC @BBCLookNorth pic.twitter.com/MRecM8QdcH
— Rob Staton (@robstaton) July 23, 2020
With Leeds United’s second signing in quick succession, after the announcement of Helder Costa’s arrival, Whites fans will be hoping signing three is announced some time soon.
