Paul Robinson says he would 'do everything' to keep current keeper Illan Meslier at Elland Road. The shot-stopper could depart the club this summer following relegation.
The French keeper has been a regular since his arrival from Lorient in 2020 but the fall from the Premier League has made Leeds United vulnerable to losing some of their most talented stars. Currently away with France under-21s at the European Championships, Meslier is one of those who could well be the subject of interest from other clubs.
However, Robinson, who played for the club between 1998 and 2004, believes his former side should resist all temptation to cash in on the keeper and make sure he is part of the bid to return to the Premier League.
There had been claims that Rotherham United's Viktor Johansson and Preston North End’s Freddie Woodman have been earmaked as potential replacements should the 23-year-old be lured away. And although Robinson sees either of those two names as ideal replacements, he says the priority first and foremost must be to try and keep him in Yorkshire.
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"They’re Championship-proven [Woodman and Johansson], but I would be doing everything to keep Meslier. He’s an outstanding young goalkeeper,” Robinson said as part of his column for MOT Leeds News.
“A year in the Championship might not do him any harm. I am a big admirer of him.
"He had a dip in confidence playing in a team that was shipping goals for fun and it’s not nice as a goalkeeper playing in a team like that. It seemed to be never-ending.
"I wouldn’t be disappointed at all to see him stay next season. I believe he will go on with the national squad and also play Champions League football somewhere.
“Keeping him would be ideal – if Robles leaves. If Meslier departs they have to sign a tried and tested Championship goalkeeper."
