Leeds United are quite clearly looking to improve their number one position under Daniel Farke, and it means the writing is on the wall for Illan Meslier.
If not for Burnley’s absurd defensive record last season, Leeds would have been ending the campaign in the history books – their 30 goals conceded being the joint-second-best record that the Championship has seen in the current iteration, behind the Clarets’ 16 conceded.
On face value, it means Leeds’ defence was rock solid, but there is glaring room for improvement in goal after Daniel Farke’s high-profile decision to axe Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow with seven games to play.
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Leeds United eyeing goalkeeper replacement with public interest in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Lucas Perri
Leeds have notably kicked into gear this week when it comes to scouring Europe for a new goalkeeper signing, having essentially been told that Nick Pope won’t be happening, as the Newcaslte giant wants to stay put.
In France, Lyon’s financial catastrophe and relegation limbo has seen Leeds sense an opportunity with Brazilian Lucas Perri, reportedly valued at around £20million.
Elsewhere, towering Torino man Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is also claimed to be on the club’s shortlist to improve in goal.
With a reported release clause of “slightly” more than €20million (£17.3million), the Serbian is attracting interest from several clubs rather than just Leeds, meaning he remains a more optimistic shout than a realistic one.
Writing on the wall for Illan Meslier at Leeds United – could represent shrewd PSR opportunity
Looking at PSR terms for this summer’s spending, should Leeds spend £20million on a goalkeeper this summer, for example, and sign them up to a four-year contract, that would be amortised over the period of his contract at around £5million-per-year.
When accounted for in such a way, Leeds’ expenditure on a goalkeeper looks an absolute must, and with Meslier expected to be replaced as first choice goalkeeper permanently, it leaves him an asset that the club would utilise to generate more profit.
Signed for £5million in 2020, the Frenchman’s estimated book value stands at just over £300,000 with 12 months remaining on his current five-year contract.
Therefore, if Leeds require a sale to boost the coffers for more spending, the 25-year-old could be someone to consider, knowing that any fee they get is virtually all profit in a position that we know is being strengthened with a new signing.
Darlow has proven in those seven games to be a steady deputy, with Alex Cairns in the increasingly-common third-choice role, and if someone of Perri’s calibre joins, it leaves Meslier likely surplus to requirements.
How much Leeds are able to command for Meslier remains to be seen, with his stock sure to have taken a hit after multiple high-profile blunders in 24/25, but the club perhaps could do him a favour to allow him an exit and get out of the limelight for the wrong reasons, while also providing a healthy shot in the arm for the Elland Road accountants.