Celtic will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United in the winter transfer window.

According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Illan Meslier is the subject of interest from Celtic. The Scottish Premiership champions are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the winter transfer window. So, the 25-year-old out-of-favour Leeds United goalkeeper has emerged as a target for the Hoops.

The Scottish giants are pushing hard for the Frenchman’s signature, and he “could leave for a symbolic fee” in the winter transfer window. However, Celtic will face stiff competition from Lyon, Nice, Sevilla, Betis, Torino, Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and AZ Alkmaar for Meslier’s signature in the coming weeks.

Illan Meslier and his situation

Illan Meslier has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Leeds United from FC Lorient. A native of Lorient, the 25-year-old spent his formative years in France, starting his youth career at ES Merlevenez before graduating from the youth division at FC Lorient. However, he rose in prominence after moving to Leeds United.

Leeds United initially signed Meslier on loan in August 2019 before completing a permanent move 12 months later. The 25-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Leeds United while keeping 72 clean sheets and conceding 283 goals. However, he has no future at Elland Road, although there is no shortage of interest in him. Celtic will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.

Will Meslier move to Scotland soon?

Celtic’s interest in Illan Meslier is understandable. Brendan Rodgers has three goalkeepers in his squad, but a closer inspection reveals why he needs the club to reinforce the first-team squad by signing a shot-stopper. With Kasper Schmeichel on the wrong side of 30 and in the twilight of his career, Celtic can do with a new goalkeeper.

So, Meslier has emerged as a viable target, with Celtic pushing hard for his signature. However, the Scottish Premiership champions face stiff competition for Meslier’s services, as Lyon, Nice, Sevilla, Betis, Torino, Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and AZ Alkmaar are also keen on signing the 25-year-old Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Leeds United’s third-choice goalkeeper will not cost a bomb in the winter transfer window, as he “could leave for a symbolic fee” in the winter transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the French shot-stopper.