Leeds United fans will probably be confused as to why a new goalkeeper has not entered the frame yet.
You would suspect that after Illan Meslier almost cost Leeds promotion, the owners would get onto a goalkeeper replacement quickly.
However, there have been no telltale signs that this is the case, as despite targets circling, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic could be going to Napoli.
Meslier looks set to leave, but that has been the case since the end of last season, with the Frenchman not wanting to occupy the number two spot.
But the reality at the moment is that the 25-year-old isn’t going anywhere, but there is a good explanation for that for Leeds fans.
Illan Meslier organises his wall for Leeds United.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Why Leeds United are struggling to replace Illan Meslier
It’s always difficult to move on from a position that hasn’t been sorted for the last six years, but surely a keeper should’ve been the first thought this window.
Meslier’s mistakes throughout last season were proving to be a nuisance in Daniel Farke’s plans, with Farke finally having to drop Meslier.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Meslier was ‘angry’ at his dropping but still supported the team till the very end, showing the character he has, but this can’t be enough for the Whites to keep him.
So why is it really taking this long?
Well, the Yorkshire Evening Post have some understanding of the situation and it reflects on Leeds’ past.
There has been less of the transfer ‘tension’ that ex-CEO Angus Kinnear admitted to after the 2024 summer window.
Still, it has taken longer to decide on the keeper than it has with other positions.
It’s said that the Leeds hierarchy want to be ‘absolutely sure’ with their next keeper before signing him, as they wouldn’t want another Meslier situation on their hands.
READ MORE: Angus Kinnear is once again spoiling Leeds United’s plans as £17m target flies onto Everton’s radar
Leeds need to avoid Meslier repeat with one key factor
With the Frenchman set to embark on a new journey away from Yorkshire, it’s harsh to say his entire stint has been a complete failure.
His attitude has proven he’s not one to hold a grudge, and after the amount of backlash he’s got, it’s a surprise he didn’t lose his cool.
Eddie Gray thinks Meslier could play for France, and there have been real signs of his quality at Leeds.
Nevertheless, the positives outweigh the negatives, and there are definitely reasons why Meslier should leave this summer.
The 49ers appear to be treading carefully with this whole situation, but the one clear factor is that Leeds can’t sign another young goalkeeper.
Instead, they need an experienced set of gloves who knows the Premier League, which is why Leeds are interested in Nick Pope.
When Meslier joined, he was 19, and although his promise was there, experience is the key next season.