This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Leeds United are close to signing Illan Meslier permanently from Lorient for a fee in the region of £5 million, according to The Athletic's Phil Hay.

The 20-year-old joined on a season-long loan deal last summer and has impressed as the Whites secure promotion to the Premier League and won the Championship title.

According to Hay, Leeds are close to signing the Frenchman permanently for a fee in the region of £5 million, in what would be their first of the summer.

It is understood the shot-stopper will sign a three-year deal.

So, is it good value for money? And should he start next season?

We asked our FLW writers for their thoughts...

Alfie Burns

Excellent value. It looks a real bargain.

Meslier has conceded only four goals in 10 appearances since stepping into the side for Kiko Casilla and, with seven clean sheets to match, he’s posted some incredible numbers.

He’s got great potential and his ‘here and now’ ability is fairly good too, so £5 million is an absolute no-brainer for Leeds really as they embark on a new life in the Premier League.

Whether he’s their No.1 next season, I’m not so sure, but he’s done his chances of retaining the gloves no harm whatsoever.

He’s vocal and has a clear understanding of how Marcelo Bielsa wants his side to build attacks from the back.

A good start to an important window.

George Harbey

This is a fantastic piece of business by Leeds.

Meslier is a very talented goalkeeper and it is clear that he has massive potential, and since coming into the team to replace Casilla, he has kept seven clean sheets in 10 appearances which really does speak volumes.

Whether he should start in the Premier League or not, I'm not sure about. He's only 20 years of age, and if Casilla leaves, I think they will bring an experienced goalkeeper in to help Meslier along and keep on developing him as a player.

With recent links to Manchester United's Sergio Romero, I personally feel that he would be a better option for Leeds, and I doubt he'd want to come to Elland Road and become a back-up option under Bielsa.

Have each of these 15 Leeds United players scored a league goal this season? – Can you get 15/15?

 

 

Jacob Potter

This is an excellent bit of business by Leeds.

Meslier has really impressed me since coming into the starting XI, and I would expect him to keep his place in the side ahead of next season in the Premier League.

He's got age on his side, and has slotted in perfectly to Bielsa's style of play with his distribution being one of his strengths.

It will have been a no-brainer for Leeds to sign Meslier permanently, as he's clearly a player that has a bright future ahead of him if recent performances are anything to go by.

I think Leeds will be able to sell him for much more than £5 million in the future if they wish to move him on.

It's a smart signing by the Whites, as Meslier has shown that he's a player that can get better and better as his confidence grows.