Illan Meslier
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Tue 24 June 2025 12:45, UK
Illan Meslier will not be leaving Leeds United just yet after a new twist in a potential exit.
The French goalkeeper was dropped by Daniel Farke after a string of mistakes that nearly cost the Whites their promotion last season.
He was replaced by Karl Darlow as Farke’s side got back on track and secured promotion to the Premier League.
The Peacocks outfit are expected to sign a starting goalkeeper this summer and that could pave way for a Meslier exit.
Illan Meslier's stats in the Championship for Leeds United last season.
Meslier’s stats in the league last season. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds have no offers for Meslier amid Turkey developments
Meslier was said to have agreed to leave Elland Road to join Fenerbahce, according to reports in Turkey (23 June), but that does not appear to be the case.
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Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth (24 June) has shut that speculation down, claiming that the Whites have not received any offers for the Frenchman.
It states that the potential to play European football would be tempting for Meslier if a transfer were to materialise.
Daniel Farke
Farke needs a new goalkeeper. (Credit: Imago)
Meslier exit has to happen for Leeds
Meslier emerged as a potential superstar under Marcelo Bielsa, earning the number one jersey and being touted for moves to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
However, he has experienced a significant downturn in fortunes, and an exit from LS11 seems inevitable after the way the past campaign ended; there is no way back for the 25-year-old in Yorkshire.
The Whites simply have to move on, as the quality of the man between the sticks could very well define their survival hopes, with Darlow deemed not good enough for the top-flight either.
They missed out on a move for Caoimhin Kelleher, who would have been the perfect replacement, as the Liverpool stopper went to Brentford earlier in the window.
They have been linked with the likes of Djordje Petrovic and Yahia Fofana from Angers, who was tipped to be the next Petr Cech by Ian Darke.
One thing is certain, Farke and Co have to get Meslier off the books sooner rather than later and get in a goalkeeper that can give the defence confidence, something which he has lost the ability to do.
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