According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are interested in signing Leeds glovesman Illan Meslier, with Victor Orta expecting bids.
What’s the story?
Well, Xavi has made plenty of changes at Barcelona, and he now wants to shake things up in between the sticks at the expense of Leeds.
Mundo Deportivo believe the £22,000-a-week Leeds shot-stopper is being monitored by the Spanish giants, as are four other goalkeepers.
It is said that Marc-André ter Stegen will remain first choice at the Camp Nou, as he has the backing of Xavi.
Therefore, we highly doubt this move will happen.
Meslier is far too good to be a backup goalkeeper, and the Frenchman himself will surely not be too keen on the move if he isn’t guaranteed to start.
So far this season, the 21-year-old has kept five clean sheets in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Leeds must’ve expected Barcelona interest
When you have a goalkeeping prodigy like Meslier on your hands, you’d be naive not to expect European giants to be sniffing around.
According to The Athletic, the Whites are expecting bids for their No.1 this summer, due to his fine performances in the Premier League.
In his debut season in England’s top-flight, Meslier kept 11 clean sheets in 35 Premier League appearances, breaking Joe Hart’s record in becoming the youngest goalkeeper to do so.
There aren’t many 21-year-old goalkeepers who are No.1 for their clubs – Meslier is special, and Leeds must do everything they can to fend off interest.
In a few years, the France Under-21 international could be worth ten times the £5m fee Leeds paid Lorient for his services.
For that reason, and for many others, Leeds mustn’t sell their No.1 this summer.
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