Leicester City consider move for Leeds United goalkeeper
Leicester City have ‘discussed’ Leeds United’s Illan Meslier as a potential goalkeeper target, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.
Leicester City have been a club in limbo over recent months, but the hope is that LCFC can finally operate with a bit more clarity after confirming Martii Cifuentes as their new boss.
A potential points deduction still lingers over the Foxes and the fans are far from pleased with the running of the club by the King Power Stadium hierarchy. Nonetheless, there will be hopes of pushing for an immediate Premier League return.
The chances of achieving such a feat will be dictated by Leicester City transfers in and out of the club. Now, amid frequent speculation over those who could depart, a new name has been linked with a move to the club.
Speaking to The Boot Room about the Foxes’ goalkeeper situation, reporter Ben Jacobs revealed that Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been ‘discussed’ as a potential option by the Championship side.
Mads Hermansen is one of few sellable assets LCFC have and with talks of a West Ham swoop ramping up, Meslier is in mind as a possible replacement. Jacobs said:
“Then goalkeeper is going to be a big one too. My expectation is that West Ham are going to approach Leicester City for Mads Hermansen, a player Leicester didn’t want to leave 12 months ago at a value of £35m.
“Now the feeling is that number will drop because 12 months have passed, but he is contracted until 2028 still.
“Leicester at the same time are advancing on Asmir Begovic who is available on a free transfer, they have discussed Illan Meslier at Leeds who may be available because he didn’t finish strongly last season, so Leeds could be looking for a number one goalkeeper as well.”
The concerning Illan Meslier numbers from 2024/25 season
Meslier was previously viewed as a great goalkeeping prospect at Leeds United, backed to maximise his potential and play at a higher level.
However, now aged 25, the Frenchman has not been able to kick on as hoped. And, for the rumoured Leicester City target, the 2024/25 season marked somewhat of a low point.
The goals prevented total is calculated by comparing the goals conceded by a goalkeeper and the xG (expected goals) of the efforts on goal faced. Meslier’s rate of -2.73 ranked him in the bottom 18.5% in the Championship last season.
