Dani van den Heuvel’s agent explains why Illan Meslier crucial to Leeds switch

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Dani van den Heuvel’s agent has told Voetbal International that Illan Meslier’s breakthrough into the Leeds United first team played a crucial part in the Dutch goalkeeper choosing to reject Ajax, and move to Elland Road.

Van den Heuvel, 17, was confirmed as Leeds’ latest signing on Tuesday – penning a three-year deal at Elland Road. A four-time Netherlands Under-17 international, van den Heuvel was highly-rated in Ajax’s youth team.

He is the latest teenager to join Leeds, following Cody Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Allen in completing moves to the newly-promoted side. Van den Heuvel will begin life at Leeds in the club’s talented Under-23 side.

Speaking to Dutch outlet VI, Forza Sports Group agent Daan Kramp – who facilitated a move to Leeds – stated that Meslier’s breakthrough into the starting line-up aged just 20 was pivotal in making up van den Heuvel’s mind.

“At Leeds, Dani has more perspective than at Ajax,” Kramp said. ‘The club’s first keeper is 20. It indicates that they have an eye for young keepers. The club wants to invest in him and has a clear plan in mind. A nice step for him.”

TBR’s view – What does van den Heuvel have to do for debut?

Meslier is currently ahead of Kiko Casilla, while Kamil Miazek and Elia Caprile are the club’s third and fourth-choice goalkeepers – the latter currently playing in the Under-23 side. Van den Heuvel is likely to rival Caprile.

Putting together a string of impressive performances at reserve-team level, van den Heuvel could move up the order should Casilla depart. He has time on his side at the age of just 17.