Illan Meslier has signed a new five-year deal at Leeds as reward for his rapid progress at Elland Road.
Meslier, 21, has blossomed into one of the finest young goalkeepers in the Premier League since replacing Kiko Casilla as Leeds’ No.1 in February 2020.
The French Under-21 international initially joined Leeds on loan from his hometown club of Lorient in August 2019 for a season.
Leeds made his stay permanent in a £5.85million deal last summer and he signed a three-year contract at Elland Road.
Meslier’s value soared last season as he excelled during Leeds’ successful return to the top flight and the club wanted to reflect this in his contract.
Meslier claims signing his new contract was an easy decision.
"I'm very happy to sign a new deal with Leeds, a big club, so it was natural to sign," he said.
"Last season I discovered the Premier League. I was young for a goalkeeper so this season I have to confirm the challenge and take the opportunity the club has given me.
"I will give the maximum of myself and keep working every day with the goalkeeper coaches. It's an important season for me and the rest of the team too."
Leeds feel they have great strength in their goalkeeping department and they signed Norway Under-21 goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson from Valerenga this summer to compete with Meslier.
Leeds also want to land midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Huddersfield, but the Tykes have warned their West Yorkshire rivals he will not be leaving unless their pay their asking price of close to £10million.
Leeds have failed with two bids for O’Brien, the most recent was believed to be £3million up front.
The player is keen to move to Elland Road to play in the Premier League.
O’Brien, 22, has progressed through the ranks at Huddersfield from their academy and is one of their most-prized assets.
O'Brien has entered the final year of his Tykes deal, but the club have the option of extending it by another 12 months until 2023.
Huddersfield chief executive Mark Devlin says the club will not budge unless their valuation is met.
“There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Lewis O’Brien’s future and I can confirm we have received and rejected two transfer offers for him,” he said.
“We respect every player’s desire to test themselves at the highest possible level, but equally any transfer must be right for Huddersfield Town, both in terms of value and timing.
“We will do our best to keep supporters informed as the window reaches its conclusion.”
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