It has been months since a key decision by Leeds United boss Daniel Farke changed the course of the season. In the middle of the run-in a huge change was made to the team.
After a series of errors that cost Leeds points in the race for promotion (and the league title), Daniel Farke finally decided to bench Illan Meslier. Karl Darlow was put in goal for the last seven games of the campaign. The veteran kept four clean sheets as the club eventually lifted the Championship. The decision immediately sparked rumours that Meslier could leave the club this summer.
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Apparently, it is not the first time this had happened, former Leeds coach Marcos Abad revealed that he advised the Frenchman to leave in 2023. Meslier ended that season on the bench after Sam Allardyce made a huge call during the relegation battle.
“My advice was that maybe he had to leave, but he wanted to stay, to be promoted again with Leeds,” he said. “I understand (his decision), but, sometimes, as a goalkeeper, it’s important to know when you have to leave because, if not, it’s like every single action is going to be analysed very deeply. This is not healthy. This is not helpful.”
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Meeting held over potential target
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According to Alfredo Pedulla, Leeds and Torino held talks over a potential deal on Monday night.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic has now joined the list of keepers the Whites have shown interest in this summer. Lyon’s Lucas Perri has also been a target, after the French club were provisionally relegated due to financial problems.
No final decision has been made yet, but the situation is one Leeds are really keen on.
Leeds United could trigger clause for Torino star
The report from Pedulla also adds that Leeds are seriously thinking about triggering the release clause for the Serbian keeper. Milinkovic-Savic has a release clause above £17million for clubs outside Italy.
Sources say the club’s recruitment are big fans of the 6ft 8in keeper.
Milinkovic-Savic would be a huge coup
Getting one of the best shot stoppers in the Serie A for that fee is a bargain. Milinkovic-Savic has been one of the main reasons Torino has maintained their mid table status in the league.
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Just last season, the 28-year old ranked in the 99th percentile for goals prevented. He kept 10 clean sheets, and prevented 10.6 goals, among the best goalkeepers in the division. Leeds have to do everything to get a deal across the line.
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