Illan Meslier’s agent has spoken about the young Leeds United goalkeeper’s plans for the future.
Meslier has established himself as Leeds ’ first-choice goalkeeper, playing 25 of their 26 Premier League matches this season.
The Frenchman, who turned 21 today, has kept eight clean sheets this campaign, breaking Joe Hart’s previous record of seven Premier League shut-outs before the age of 21.
Meslier was handed an opportunity last season when Kiko Casilla was banned for eight games for racially abusing Charlton forward Jonathan Leko.
He kept seven clean sheets in 10 league appearances to help Marcelo Bielsa’s side win the Championship title and he has since surpassed the Spaniard as Leeds’ number one.
While he has been criticised at times for mistakes, it has been a promising debut season for the youngster and his agent Xavier Fleury says he is happy where he is for now, despite interest from elsewhere.
“When you are so young, the youngest starting goalkeeper in Europe, for sure, big clubs could be interested, following him,” he told the LUFC Fan Zone podcast.
“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?
“If Leeds keep the manager and Orta, the president could be right, they could be in the Champions League.
“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.”
Meslier is currently contracted with Leeds until the summer of 2023, having signed a three-year deal when he signed permanently from Lorient in July following a successful loan spell.
He played in Leeds’ 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday and will keep his place in goal for Monday’s Premier League game against West Ham United.
