Leeds United Star Seen As ‘Strategic Opportunity’ But Club Know They ‘Must Act Quickly’ | OneFootball

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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is viewed as ‘a strategic opportunity’ by Spanish giants Sevilla, but know they ‘must act quickly’ to sign him amid growing competition.

Meslier is set to leave Elland Road at the end of June when his contract at Leeds has run its course.

The goalkeeper struggled to remove a tendency to be error-prone from his game and eventually paid the price, losing his spot between the sticks at Leeds and slipping down the pecking order.

With the arrival of Lucas Perri last summer, Meslier effectively became the third choice goalkeeper at Leeds, an ignominious fate for someone once looked as a long-term option by Manchester United.

Valencia tried to sign Meslier in the winter transfer window, but no move happened, while French side Rennes are keen on him this summer.

Now Sevilla are firmly on the goalkeeper’s trail and believe that signing him on a free transfer is ‘a strategic opportunity’, according to Spanish outlet OB.

However, there is big competition for Meslier, with Turkish giants Besiktas also keen on securing him.

As such, Sevilla know they ‘must act quickly’ if they are to be able to see off the competition for the French shot-stopper.

How much of a rush Meslier will be in to commit to a new club remains to be seen, as he will likely have a host of offers on the table.

Able to move as a free transfer, the Leeds goalkeeper is an attractive proposition for a number of sides.

Sevilla are hoping that the lure of playing in La Liga can help to tip the scales in their favour.

Leeds could see some change in the goalkeeping ranks this summer, with Karl Darlow now 35 years old, while Perri may well be unlikely to want to remain if he is to be second choice.

Whether Leeds will come to regret Meslier leaving is a matter of debate and all eyes will be on if the Frenchman can eliminate the errors from his game at his next club.