da brdice： Leeds United could sensationally ditch Illan Meslier for a new shot-stopper…
What’s the latest?
da dobrowin： That’s if recent reports are to be believed, with French publication Media Foot Mercato linking the Whites with a move for World Cup hero Dominik Livakovic.
This could be seen as a precautionary measure, as the report also references Manchester United and Chelsea’s interest in their current goalkeeper.
Whilst there is little movement yet, with the Frenchman still boasting four years left on his £22k-per-week deal, the agent of the Croatian goalkeeper has been contacted. A fee of €10m (£8.5m) will be enough to tempt Dinamo Zagreb.
Ditch Meslier
In what would mark a sensational turnaround, ditching Meslier would shock many fans across the Premier League.
Especially given how Fabrizio Romano described him as “untouchable” only last summer.
However, with some of the clubs interested, there is likely a belief that an astronomical fee could soon arrive.
His potential replacement has proven in Qatar that he could likely more than make up for the 22-year-old, who only moved to Elland Road on a £5m deal in 2020.
The 27-year-old has maintained an outstanding 7.68 average rating throughout the world’s greatest competition, averaging 4.0 saves per game before tonight’s showdown with Argentina, as well as an impressive 79% pass accuracy.
Throughout his five games to date, he has conceded just three times, keeping two clean sheets and making in total 20 saves, including starring roles in two penalty shootouts.
However, he had already been performing admirably for his club before he took his talents to the world stage.
In a far worse team than his national side, his save percentage remains at an impressive 73% of the 43 he has made.
His average rating for Zagreb of 6.89 is also an improvement on the 6.81 of Meslier.
Having made himself a “hero” this tournament, as noted by Sacha Pisani, he could now have earned his big move to the Premier League.
His emergence comes at the perfect time for Jesse Marsch, who could potentially cash in on his current number one at a huge profit.
Boasting far more experience at a cheaper price, should he translate his performances to domestic success at Elland Road, he could surely save them from another season of battling relegation.