'I want to climb the ladder' - Key Leeds United man reveals transfer regret and long-term goal

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is aiming to become France’s No. 1 some day but acknowledges he must perform for the Under-21s and his club side first
Joe Donnohue
By Joe Donnohue
Published 28th Mar 2023, 06:50 BST
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Long-time incumbent Hugo Lloris retired from international duty following the World Cup in Qatar last year, opening the door for a glut of young, French goalkeepers to battle it out for Les Bleus’ No. 1 jersey.

AC Milan stopper Mike Maignan appears to have taken the crown based on manager Didier Deschamps’ starting line-ups during this international break, fending off the likes of Lucas Chevalier, Alban Lafont and Leeds United’s Illan Meslier.

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At still only 23 years old, though, Meslier remains eligible for the Under-21 setup – Les Bleuets – and will be expected to retain the No. 1 shirt at youth international level for this summer’s Under-21 European Championships. The Leeds man has stated in a recent interview that he still hopes to earn a first senior call-up to the France squad, despite what could be regarded as a missed opportunity this month.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier and team-mates make their way out onto the pitch for a second time during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture date: Sunday October 16, 2022.Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier and team-mates make their way out onto the pitch for a second time during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture date: Sunday October 16, 2022.
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier and team-mates make their way out onto the pitch for a second time during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture date: Sunday October 16, 2022.

Speaking to Ouest France, Meslier said: “Coming back to Brittany today with Les Bleuets jersey is something remarkable. But this is not the end. I want to climb the ladder again.”

France’s Under-21s face Spain at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes on Tuesday evening – a 30-minute drive from Meslier’s hometown of Merlevenez where he was initially spotted by local side Lorient.

"Of course I know where I come from and what I have accomplished. I didn’t leave Lorient as I wanted. It ended up being a blessing in disguise.”

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Meslier departed the French club as a youngster in order to join Leeds after the Breton side recruited Paul Nardi as No. 1, blocking Meslier’s path to first-team football.

By the summer of 2020, Meslier had usurped Kiko Casilla as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and has not relinquished his grip on that position since.

“I left a cocoon, I got out of my comfort zone, I had to work three times harder to impose myself at Leeds, where nobody knew me.

“It would be a mistake to project myself so far. There are many steps before that [a future transfer]: a continuation to be sought with Leeds, the Euro Espoirs [U21 Euros] in June.

“To succeed in all of this, I have to be good. Because no one will come looking for me if I am not. And if I am asked, I will take the time to think about my future with a clear head,” Meslier added.

Related topics:Illan MeslierHugo Lloris