Illan Meslier was expected to leave Leeds United in the recently concluded transfer window, and a few clubs did try to sign him. However, the French goalkeeper is still at Elland Road, and he has been named in the 24-man Premier League squad.
The Frenchman lost his place in the team towards the end of last season, when Daniel Farke decided to make the change in goal following several high-profile errors, which threatened to derail his team’s march to promotion to the Premier League.
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Karl Darlow looked solid in goal, and Meslier has not played a competitive game since then. He remained part of the club’s pre-season preparations and played in friendlies. But Lucas Perri’s arrival was expected to lead to his departure from Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
Meslier has dropped down to third or fourth choice goalkeeper in the squad, and despite speculation of a deadline day move on Monday, he is still at Elland Road.
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Leeds United MD indicated that Illan Meslier rejected a few moves
Leeds managing director Robbie Evans has shed light on the uncertainty surrounding Meslier’s future at Elland Road during the transfer window.
He revealed that a few clubs showed interest in the Frenchman, but conceded that they were not as compelling as they should have been for a player of his ability.
He emphasised that Meslier is still a highly talented young goalkeeper and indicated that the Frenchman turned down several clubs he had no desire to join over the summer.
“There was some interest in Illan, but it wasn’t as strong as I’d expect for a player of his calibre”, Evans told The Athletic.
“I know he lost his spot late last season because the team needed a change, but he’s a good player, a young player, lots of experience, and, frankly, he didn’t want to go to a situation he didn’t want to be in.
“It ended up being the case for both parties; it was better he be here.”
Leeds have a problem to solve with Meslier
Lorient, Rangers and Valencia were among the clubs who showed an interest in the Leeds goalkeeper in the summer, but he stayed put at Elland Road.
A move to Turkey and Saudi Arabia is still possible, but Leeds have already knocked back an approach from Galatasaray, who wanted to sign Meslier.
Perri is the first-choice keeper, but Leeds are now staring at the prospect of one of their top earners sitting on his contract until at least the winter transfer window.
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