Besiktas will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United before the winter transfer window shuts down.
According to an update by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Illan Meslier is the subject of interest from Besiktas. The Black Eagles are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper before the winter transfer window closes. So, the 25-year-old out-of-favour Leeds United shot-stopper has emerged as a target for them.
The Turkish Super Lig giants have already initiated their move to secure the Frenchman’s services by approaching his entourage to discuss a late move. They have also “asked for the terms” of signing Meslier from Leeds United.
How has Illan Meslier fared at Leeds United?
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 285 goals. However, he has no future at Elland Road, although there is no shortage of interest in him. Besiktas will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
Will Meslier move to Turkiye soon?
Besiktas’s interest in Illan Meslier makes sense. The Black Eagles have been scouring the market for a goalkeeper heading into the winter transfer window, as Sergen Yalcin wants a top-notch shot-stopper for the second half of the 2025/26 season. Several candidates, including Filip Jorgensen and Antonin Kinsky, have thus emerged on Besiktas’s wishlist.
However, Jorgensen will not leave Chelsea this month, while Tottenham block Kinsky’s move to West Ham United in the winter transfer window. Meslier has thus emerged as a viable alternative, and Besiktas recently approached the 25-year-old Frenchman’s entourage to discuss a possible winter move.
The Black Eagles have also “asked for the terms” of securing a deal for Meslier in the final days of the winter transfer window. Interestingly, recent reports have also linked Besiktas with another Leeds United goalkeeper, with the West Yorkshire outfit rejecting the Turkish club’s move for Lucas Perri. It will be interesting to see if they can secure Meslier, given the French goalkeeper’s uncertain future at Leeds United.
