Phillips: PSG’s pursuit of Meslier will be over amid key Leeds development
Paris Saint-Germain’s imminent capture of Gianluigi Donnarumma means Illan Meslier is likely to remain at Leeds United this summer.
That is according to ex-Premier League goalscorer Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Sport Italia reported on 11th June that PSG have agreed a deal for the AC Milan shot-stopper.
Yvon Pouliquen, the head of the agency where Meslier is represented, told French outlet Le Telegramme [via Leeds Live] on 6th June that “PSG are watching.”
He is under contract until 2023 and, as revealed by this site in March, Leeds are planning to offer the Frenchman a new and improved deal.
The goalkeeper signed permanently last summer after spending 2019-20 at Elland Road and has since made the number one spot his own.
And Phillips thinks PSG’s move for Donnaruma means we are likely to see Meslier continue his development in West Yorkshire next season.
“I would say it will end their interest in Meslier,” he told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“You don’t want too many goalkeepers on the books. If they went for him, he’s not going to play. He’s a young goalkeeper and if he goes there he’s going to want guaranteed game time.
“So I wouldn’t expect any more bids or interest to come his way, to be honest. I think Donnarumma will definitely be their number one goalkeeper ahead of next season.”
Meslier started 35 times in the league in 2020-21 for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The France Under-21 international has quickly established himself as one of the division’s most promising young goalkeepers.
In other news, former Leeds United man delivers “next level” verdict after confirmed contract news.