Real Madrid ‘interested’ in signing Leeds United’s Illan Meslier to replace injured Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid have reportedly shown interest in signing Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois.

With the 23/24 season fast approaching, Madrid were rocked by the news that Courtois is set to miss a large part of the campaign after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.

On Thursday, the Belgian wrote on social media: “You never expect to go through something like this but now it's time to accept it and do everything to overcome it and come back even stronger.

“Thank you all for the energy, love and encouragement, I assure you that they motivate me to recover as soon as possible.”

Since the news of Courtois’ injury, Madrid have been linked with a host of different goalkeepers including former Manchester United number one David de Gea.

However, according to Spanish news outlet SPORT, the La Liga giants are eyeing a move for Leeds’ Meslier to replace Courtois.

Despite being regarded as one of the best talents in Europe, Mesiler came under intense scrutiny during the 22/23 season as Leeds were relegated to the second tier of English football.

Leeds were the side with the worst defensive record as they finished in 19th place with a goal difference of -30.

Getty

After making a string of errors, Meslier saw himself replaced by Joel Robles when Sam Allardyce took charge towards the back end of the season.

On the back of relegation, Robles left Leeds to join Saudi Arabian second-tier side Al Qadsiah FC, meaning Meslier is once again the first-choice goalkeeper under new manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds kicked off their 23/24 Championship season with a pulsating 2-2 draw against Cardiff City and will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Birmingham City.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s current backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to start as Los Blancos take on Athletic Club Bilbao on Saturday.