Leeds United are set to complete the permanent signing of Lorient keeper Illan Meslier, according to Foot Mercato.
Meslier spent the season on loan at Elland Road making 10 appearances across all competitions as the no. 2 behind Kiko Casilla.
The U21 France international reportedly had an automatic purchase option in the event of promotion to the Premier League.
That option got triggered last week after Leeds confirmed their promotion to the English top flight after 16 years in the lower leagues thanks to West Brom’s defeat to Huddersfield.
Meslier’s entourage will be coming to England soon to iron out the details of the contract that will see him sign for the Whites for the next three seasons.
In a recent interview with RMC Sport, he said that he is eager to stay at Leeds and credited manager Marcelo Bielsa for both the success of the team and his own personal development.
“He really imposed his style. All the players really adopted him. We gave everything to go up, even if it was sometimes hard. There are a lot of videos, it’s not easy.
“We are improving our kicking game. I clearly felt progress. From December I felt that I was more decisive, with better kicking. I really learned to develop myself. English football is not at all the same as French football. I felt that I was stronger.”
When asked about his future he said, “Logically, there is a 99% chance that I will stay in Leeds. Next year, you will see me in Leeds. I am very happy to stay there, it is an exceptional club.”
It remains to be seen whether or not he will be promoted to the number one role in Bielsa’s side.
Meslier admitted he has not had that discussion and doesn’t know his role for the next season yet.
Leeds sporting director Victor Orta will be eager to complete what seems to be straight forward signing soon and moving on to pursuing other targets in preparation for the Premier League.
