Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes that current number one Illan Meslier would be making an error if he moves to Liverpool in the near future.
The Lowdown: Meslier linked with Liverpool move
The 21-year-old has been an outstanding performer for the Whites, as evidenced by this season's WhoScored performance metrics, playing with a maturity beyond his years and excelling in his all-round game.
Meslier's displays have reportedly led to Liverpool showing an interest in signing him, although his current Leeds deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026.
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The Latest: Kenny tells Meslier to stay at Leeds
Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny claimed that it would make no sense for the Frenchman to leave Elland Road at a time when he is still growing as a player and getting in the team every week.
The former Republic of Ireland international said:
"It’s a difficult one if Liverpool come in for you, they’re a massive club. He’s got to look and see he’s playing week in, week out, he’s doing really well.
"He’s been very consistent for Leeds for an absolute baby when it comes to goalkeeping terms. I don’t think there’s any reason for him to be in a rush now.
"He’s 21-years-old. Is there any point in going Liverpool? More than likely, he’s not going to get past, at this moment, Alisson.
"For me it’s important he stays at Leeds, keeps playing and builds that reputation that he’s building now at such a young age.
"He just needs to keep playing games and enjoying football because he’s a baby, basically, when it comes to goalkeepers."
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The Verdict: Wrong time to leave
It would be foolish to assume that Meslier will remain a Leeds player for the rest of his career, with a fresh challenge potentially appealing to him at some point.
He looks a future France number one - he has been hailed as 'fearsome' by Tony Cascarino - and assuming the Whites don't make meteoric strides from here, he may want to test himself in a Champions League-playing team eventually.
Moving to Liverpool for now makes no sense, though, considering that Alisson is one of the world's top goalkeepers and his understudy Caoimhin Kelleher has also looked impressive. Kenny is right in saying that Meslier is best served by staying at Elland Road for the time being.
In other news, Phil Hay that confirmed that one Leeds player has an injury. Find out who it is here.