Leeds star tipped to join ‘top Premier League club’ amid Chelsea links despite woeful season
Clinton Morrison has backed Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier to secure a move to a ‘top Premier League club’ amid reported interest from Chelsea.
The Frenchman endured a very disappointing 2022/23 campaign with the Whites, which ultimately saw them relegated to the Championship.
Meslier conceded 67 goals in 34 games, which was by far the worst record in the Premier League. This is despite the keeper gaining a reputation in the previous season as a solid shot-stopper.
In fact, he conceded a record 23 goals in the month of April and finally lost his spot in the starting XI to Joel Robles when Sam Allardyce replaced Raul Gracia as manager at Elland Road.
Despite this, Leeds failed to avoid relegation and now look set to lose several players this summer.
The interest in Meslier has dipped dramatically as a result of his poor form. Chelsea, however, still reportedly have him on their radar. The Blues sold Edouard Mendy to Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahil this summer, whilst there are still doubts over Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Now, Morrison has claimed that Meslier could still join a ‘top Premier League club’ this summer.
“I probably would (take him if I was a top Premier League manager) because he is young,” said Morrison. “He has made a lot of mistakes for Leeds, but he is a young goalkeeper.
“He has now had the experience of playing in the Premier League. I would definitely take him because he is only going to improve.
“Goalkeeper is one of the hardest positions. You can mistake anywhere else, you don’t get punished. You make a mistake in goal, then you get punished.”
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea take a punt on Meslier this summer. He is under contract at Elland Road 2026 and it is estimated by Transfermarkt that a bid in the region of €20m (£17.1m) would be enough to secure his services.
As mentioned, though, he will not be the only player to leave Leeds this summer.
Everton, for instance, have been heavily linked with a move for Wilfried Gnonto. The winger isn’t fully convinced by a move to Goodison Park, but, he is expected to depart the Whites, even if his destination isn’t Merseyside.
Jack Harrison could be a more likely option for Everton. The Times claim that the 26-year-old is one player Sean Dyche is ‘considering’ as he looks to add attacking options to his squad.
With Meslier, Gnonto, Harrison and others such as Tyler Adams looking set to leave Leeds this summer, their squad could look very different after the next couple of weeks.
