FLW’s verdict on Inter Milan’s potential pursuit of a Leeds United star as January window looms
Inter Milan have identified Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a potential transfer target.
According to Marco Barzaghi, the Serie A giants are eyeing a possible move for the Championship shot-stopper.
Simone Inzaghi is keen to upgrade on his current options, having also identified Napoli’s Alex Meret as a replacement for Yann Sommer.
Sommer was signed last summer in place of the departing Andre Onana, but at 34-years-old is not a long-term choice to be number one goalkeeper at San Siro.
Should Leeds United cash in on Illan Meslier?
It is unclear whether Internazionale will pursue the move in January or wait until the summer transfer window to try to sign Meslier.
Here, we ask our FLW writers if Leeds should cash in on the Frenchman…
Declan Harte’s
Meslier’s departure from Leeds looked imminent last summer, but the 23-year-old stayed despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
He had fallen out of favour under Sam Allaradyce, but now that Daniel Farke is in charge of the first team, he has earned his position back.
The Frenchman is a highly promising custodian with the ability to compete at the greatest level, especially given his young age, so it is no surprise that major European clubs are interested in him.
Leeds also have Karl Darlow to rely on if Meslier does leave in January, so selling him would not be an immediate disaster.
Darlow is a reliable shot stopper who could fill in for Leeds’ number one custodian in the second half of the season if a strong offer comes in.
If an offer in excess of £25 million is made then Leeds should consider cashing in, as that money could be reinvested back into improving the first team squad at Elland Road.
Otherwise, it is best to wait until the summer before making any decisions over Meslier’s future.
Illan Meslier has looked rejuvenated under Daniel Farke and it’s no surprise that the young French goalkeeper is being linked with some big clubs again as a result.
The drop down to the Championship has undoubtedly helped but the x-year-old looks to have regained his confidence – much to the benefit of the Whites and the joy of supporters.
Many fans would’ve been happy to cash in on him, as was expected, in the summer window, particularly after the arrival of Karl Darlow, but that’s not the feeling now.
That said, you have to think that with Darlow in the squad, Leeds will consider any offers that meet their valuation – which is surely going to be lofty given his age and potential – even if it comes in the January window.
They should be trying to maintain Meslier until at least the summer, and given the form of Yann Sommer this season, you’d think Inter would wait until then anyhow, but they should still be open to cashing in at the right price.
He’s been fantastic this season and appears to have a bright future ahead of him, with his Premier League problems likely providing valuable experience in the future, but understanding when to move a player is critical.
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