Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign Leeds United star Illan Meslier, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea also keen on the France youth international.
According to RMC Sport, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the Elland Road talent with Graham Potter’s Chelsea and Bayern also interested in signing Meslier, who could potentially leave Leeds this month if a suitable offer is made.
Lauded as ‘oustanding’ earlier in the season by L’Equipe, Meslier is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe and has been Leeds’ no. 1 choice between the sticks ever since the Yorkshire side’s return to the Premier League back in 2021.
And now, there’s a growing chance that Meslier could leave Leeds in January, with Newcastle now interested in signing the goalkeeper along with Bayern and Chelsea, with the European giants both having issues of their own in the shot-stopping department.
Manuel Neuer is out for the rest of the season for Bayern after breaking his leg on a skiing holiday, whilst Potter is yet to truly decide on who his starting goalkeeper should be at Chelsea between Eduoard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Indeed, Newcastle have the funds to match anything offered from Bayern or Chelsea for Meslier. However, given how good Nick Pope has been this season, the Magpies are arguably in the weakest position to offer the 22-year-old shot-stopper regular first-team minutes.
Meslier will be making a mistake signing for Newcastle
It might seem odd to suggest that Meslier should sign for Chelsea or Bayern given how big the two clubs are. But with Newcastle’s goalkeeping situation as established as it is, the Leeds star would realistically be better off departing Yorkshire for anyone but the Magpies.
As we know, Pope is the established starter between the sticks for Newcastle, and with the England international thriving this season, Meslier would struggle to replace the 30-year-old even with his Premier League experience and massive potential.
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