Leeds United have Illan Meslier still on their books, but the Frenchman’s time at Elland Road looks to be coming to an end.
Illan Meslier is set to leave Leeds United after seven seasons in West Yorkshire, with Leeds reportedly offering Meslier to other clubs and an exit edges closer.
Daniel Farke dropped Meslier as Leeds’ No.1 towards the end of last season, with Karl Darlow coming for the last seven games and keeping five clean sheets in that time.
A few weeks ago, we reported Meslier could stay at Elland Road into next season, but more recent updates suggest he is heading elsewhere.
Sheffield United FC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Beren Cross explains Illan Meslier’s Leeds future
Ligue 1 outfit RC Strasbourg are one side keen on Meslier this summer and Meslier has been in talks with Fenerbahce as well. It’s unclear where a move will materialise, but it looks likely to come to fruition at some stage of the window.
Simon Grayson backed the decision to drop Meslier during the Championship run-in and it doesn’t look like there is any way back for him under Farke at Leeds.
Phil Hay thinks Meslier is done at Leeds. The importance of having a reliable goalkeeper cannot be understated for Leeds heading into a crucial campaign where relegation is a distinct possibility.
Following two seasons in succession of the three promoted clubs immediately getting relegated, Leeds know they cannot take any chances in having the required quality in both boxes.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Beren Cross of The Athletic has provided the following update on Meslier’s future after revealing his contract situation is why they have been linked with a move for Nick Pope, although a Newcastle exit is now deemed unlikely for Pope.
He claims the current window is the last realistic opportunity to achieve a fee for the 25-year-old without offering a fresh contract at Elland Road.
Cross adds: “Based on how last season finished and how big a chasm Leeds need to bridge to the top flight, a new contract for Meslier would be a major surprise.”
It’s a shame how things have figured out since Meslier extended his deal back in 2021, with the goalkeeper “at the peak of stock in Leeds colours.”
That came off the back of an unforgettable ninth-placed finish in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. Cross said: “Meslier had not been perfect between the sticks, but he felt like the future of the club in that position at 21.”
Everton v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Marcelo Bielsa is partially to blame for Illan Meslier’s downfall at Leeds
His best form was during Bielsa’s time at the club, but Meslier’s admission regarding Bielsa is also interesting, and perhaps part of the reason why he started to grow more inconsistent.
He said: ““Fun? I don’t know. I don’t think so. When you get the result, it’s alright. I have big respect for him but when it’s not working, it’s very difficult for us because we give a lot of effort but don’t get a result. It was difficult.”
The goalkeeper hasn’t just been stagnant in terms of his development in recent years, but it could be argued that Meslier has actually gone backwards and become weaker in some areas of his game.
Leeds need maturity and an assured nature next season in goal. Ideally, some experience as well. Meslier is lacking in too many respects to overlook now.