This was the summer that Illan Meslier was supposed to leave Leeds United. With how last season ended, many saw it as impossible that he could be at Elland Road come August.
The French keeper had a lot of interest during the transfer window, with the likes of Valencia, Como and Lorient all interested. But the word from his camp was that he wanted to be a starter where he went. It explained why links to PSG and Leicester City fell flat.
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Daniel Farke made the bold decision to leave Meslier out of the squad at the start of the season, signalling a possible exit. After two failed moves to Turkey, the 25-year old remains a Leeds player.
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David James speaks on Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier
Credit: Imago Images
Illan Meslier used to be a highly rated prospect early in his Leeds career. Chelsea nearly bought him when he was a youngster in France, but he ended up in West Yorkshire. He had a great start to life in England, and there were even calls that he could be next in line to be the national team goalkeeper for Les Bleus.
His career has taken a nose dive since; he has been in and out of the lineup, and last season seemed to be the final straw. Former England keeper David James, who has followed Meslier’s story, says he is frustrated with how everything has played out:
“I’ve got a soft spot for Leeds, for many different reasons. The thing that’s frustrated me with the Leeds goalkeeping position is the fact that Meslier hasn’t been the number one, France’s number one, and the best goalkeeper people have seen for years.” he told the Yorkshire Post.
“I think back to his debut in the Premier League a few years ago and he had all the credentials to be top drawer.
“I’d like to think he can get his head round getting back into the first team and being the goalkeeper I’ve hoped he will be.”
Leeds United star to find himself out of the squad again
With Lucas Perri injured, Meslier was handed a place in the squad to face Fulham over the weekend. But the Brazilian is not expected to be out for an extended period, so the Frenchman’s place on the bench is only temporary. When Perri returns, it is most likely that Meslier will be out of the squad again as the season progresses.
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