49ers are trolling if they seriously want Rangers to sign player who Sam Allardyce axed
Rangers have had a terrible start to the season under Russell Martin.
The Light Blues sit 11th in the Scottish Premiership, with defensive issues becoming a key theme under Russell Martin so far.
Significant reinforcements were made in defence, yet despite rumours that Jack Butland could be replaced at Rangers, no goalkeeper signing was made.
Rangers have been linked to Pierce Charles, with the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper expected to cost around £4million.
New developments have linked Rangers to a shot-stopper who is not popular at his current club.
Rangers interested in Leeds’ Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier has been ever-present for Leeds over the past six years, but has been confined to the bench this season due to some performances last season.
Meslier’s high-profile mistakes versus Sunderland and Swansea in must-win matches have contributed to him being the third-choice goalkeeper this campaign.
TEAMtalk has reported that Rangers have a ‘distant’ interest in the 25-year-old, news that should anger many Bears fans.
It is thought that Martin wants a goalkeeper who is comfortable in possession, yet Meslier’s error-prone nature would irritate the Ibrox crowd.
| Season | Games played | Clean sheets |
| 2019/20 | 11 | 7 |
| 2020/21 | 35 | 11 |
| 2021/22 | 42 | 7 |
| 2022/23 | 38 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | 49 | 21 |
| 2024/25 | 39 | 21 |
The French goalkeeper has been a good servant for Leeds over the years, yet he has frustrated many of his managers, including Sam Allardyce.
When Allardyce took over as Leeds manager at the end of the 2022/23 season, he dropped Meslier instantly, with the 70-year-old claiming that persisting with the 25-year-old would have been “harmful”.
The 49ers have a strained relationship with Rangers fans, and signing Meslier could be the final nail in the coffin.
Illan Meslier a significant downgrade on Jack Butland
Meslier isn’t even an improvement on the reliable Butland, despite what Martin might think of the Frenchman’s ball-playing abilities.
Butland has been a shining light for Rangers, with performances against Hearts and Panathinaikos being particularly strong.
Meslier would also likely demand a huge wage, something which he wouldn’t really be entitled to given his desperation to move away from Leeds.
The 49ers have already heavily backed Martin, yet this signing would be another waste of funds, and should it go through, Kevin Thelwell will fall under even more scrutiny.
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