“49ERS’ INSANE PLOT EXPOSED: Are They SABOTAGING Rangers by Pushing a DISGRACED Player Sam Allardyce DUMPED? You Won’t Believe This Transfer SCANDAL!”
Rangers’ season under Russell Martin has begun in disastrous fashion.
Rangers currently occupy 11th place in the Scottish Premiership, with defensive frailties proving to be a recurring theme under Russell Martin’s management.
Despite making notable additions at the back, the club chose not to sign a new goalkeeper, even though speculation suggested Jack Butland might be replaced.
One name previously linked was Pierce Charles of Sheffield Wednesday, who is valued at around £4 million.
Now, fresh reports suggest Rangers are monitoring another goalkeeper – though one who has fallen out of favour at his current club.
Rangers show interest in Leeds’ Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier has been a mainstay at Leeds United for the past six years, but this season he has been relegated to the bench after costly errors in the previous campaign.
His mistakes in decisive matches against Sunderland and Swansea contributed to his drop down the pecking order, leaving him as the Whites’ third-choice option.
TEAMtalk reports that Rangers have a ‘distant’ interest in the Frenchman, though the news has already sparked discontent among sections of the Ibrox support.
Martin is said to want a keeper comfortable with the ball at his feet, but Meslier’s tendency for errors could make him an unpopular choice.
While Meslier has given plenty to Leeds, he has also drawn criticism from a succession of managers.
When Sam Allardyce took charge late in the 2022/23 season, he immediately dropped him, arguing that persisting with the 25-year-old would have been “harmful” to the team.
With Leeds’ 49ers ownership already unpopular with Rangers fans, pursuing Meslier could further sour relations.
Meslier compared to Butland
Meslier would represent a significant step down from Butland, who has been one of Rangers’ most consistent performers this season.
His standout displays against Hearts and Panathinaikos underline his importance, while Meslier would bring more risk than stability.
Moreover, the Frenchman is expected to command a sizeable wage despite his desire to leave Leeds – something that would raise eyebrows given his form.
Although the 49ers have backed Martin heavily, moving for Meslier could be seen as another misuse of funds, and if the deal happens, Kevin Thelwell would come under even greater pressure.
