Leeds United announced a brilliant piece of news on Friday.
The Premier League outfit confirmed that they had signed Illan Meslier up to a new long-term contract in West Yorkshire.
The 21-year-old French goalkeeper has committed his stay at Leeds until 2026.
What this means is that if Meslier has another brilliant season under Marcelo Bielsa, which is probable, then it puts the Whites in a very commanding position with regards to negotiations next summer – and the one after that if that’s what it comes to.
Nobody at Elland Road will be thinking about selling Meslier, but at least they’re safe in the knowledge that they’ll get absolutely maximum value, based on the length of his new contract.
A number of Leeds-affiliated people responded to the youngster on Instagram, but the pick of the responses belongs to Barry Douglas.
The Scottish left-back, who was released by United during the summer, posted: “Go on my big tall French friend.”
Redemption
Meslier will be out to prove a point today.
Leeds are set to return to Manchester United, the scene of their 6-2 mauling by the Red Devils last season.
It was comfortably the club’s worst result in an otherwise fantastic first year back in the Premier League and no doubt Meslier – who was in goal that day – will be desperate to have a better afternoon between the sticks.
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