Meslier to Real Madrid? Leeds star’s agent addresses rumour

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Illan Meslier’s agent has cooled rumours linking the Leeds United goalkeeper with a move to Real Madrid.

Meslier, 20, has been a standout performer for Leeds in their first season back in the Premier League. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are currently sat safely in midtable with 13 games remaining in the campaign.

While not completely ruling out his client departing Elland Road, Meslier’s representative insists he is happy at Leeds and sees trophies in his future should Marcelo Bielsa remain at the club

“When you are so young, the youngest starting goalkeeper in Europe, for sure big clubs could be interested, following him,” Xavier Fleury told the LUFC Fan Zone Podcast, via Goal.

“Illan is starting at Leeds. He loves the club. Perhaps in one, two seasons, if you have a club like Real Madrid that knock on the door – who knows?”

Perhaps most positively for Leeds fans, Fleury made it clear that Meslier recognises how special it would be to lift a title with the Premier League club, even more so than with some of Europe’s elite. He is also aware that the youngster could be stuck on the bench if he moves on now.

“If Leeds keep the manager and Orta, the president could be right, they could be in the Champions League,” he said.

“If Leeds are in the Champions League, Illan can win a title with Leeds – winning a title with Leeds is more beautiful than with Juventus, Real Madrid or Bayern.

“Right now, it would be a bad idea to join a big club, and sit on the bench.”

Despite playing in the team with the joint-most goals conceded this season, Meslier has attracted praise and has eight league clean sheets to his name.