Illan Meslier in action for Leeds United. (imago Images)
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic (Subscription Required) [h/t football.london], Leeds United goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, revealed why he turned down a late move to Chelsea three years ago.
Chelsea fans won’t be quick to forget the summer of 2018 which saw Thibaut Courtois finally get his move to Real Madrid. These proceedings meant the Blues wanted a goalkeeper to replace the outgoing Belgian.
And apparently, Meslier was one of the players that the Blues contacted for a late switch. The Frenchman was then at French side, Lorient, and he says that a move fell through because Chelsea were late in their approach.
“Chelsea agreed with Lorient and then asked me, ‘Are you ready?’ But it was 24 hours before the end of the window. I said: ‘No, it’s too late, man! If you’d come one or two weeks earlier then I might have said yes. I can’t sign for you so late.”
Meslier was 18 back then and he recognized that being the number 1 goalkeeper at a club like Chelsea is not the easiest task. It was the uncertainty regarding his role at the club that played a part in him staying at Les Merlus.
“Chelsea are a big club. You would ask me, ‘Why not [go]?’. But there are lots of keepers in Chelsea’s academy It’s very hard to grow up there and sometimes you sign and you have to go on loan, things like that. It’s better, I think, to work in your club and then sign to be a No.1 at 24, 25. Not at 18 years old.”
Chelsea, of course, activated the £71.5million release clause in Kepa Arrizabalaga’s contract at Athletic Bilbao in order to replace Courtois. The Spaniard became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper that day.
But after three seasons at the Bridge, it’s safe to say that Kepa has not lived up to the expectations of the fans. Edouard Mendy’s status as Chelsea’s number 1 under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel is further proof of that.
Chelsea have been subject to aggressive links with Victor Osimhen over the recently concluded summer transfer window, and the Blues…
Chelsea recently loaned Jadon Sancho on a season long load deal from Manchester United. (with an obligation to buy)
After a disappointing 2023-24 season under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea wasted no time in parting ways with the Argentine manager. The…
Former Chelsea player Joe Cole has showered praises on the club and compared their attackers with Liverpool's iconic trio.
After stealing all three points at the death away at Bournemouth last week, Chelsea brace themselves for another tough away…
Chelsea face West Ham away from home in the Premier League Chelsea and West Ham go head-to-head on matchday five…
