Illan Meslier looks set to finally end his purgatory with Leeds United, with his contract at Elland Road set to expire at the end of the season.
Once regarded as one of the most exciting goalkeepers in Europe, Illan Meslier has suffered a tumultuous period in his career, after a string of high-profile errors saw him lose his place in the Leeds team under Daniel Farke.
With Karl Darlow stepping up as first-choice in Leeds’ promotion season and Lucas Perri signed from Lyon in the summer, Meslier is firmly third-choice for the Whites in the Premier League.
Having been linked with a move to both Milan clubs in recent weeks, it appears that Meslier could be offered a surprise move back to his native France by Chelsea’s owners, with Strasbourg plotting a move for the French youth international.
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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier linked with Strasbourg switch
According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, Strasbourg have emerged as a potential destination for Meslier, as he looks to get his once-promising career back on track.
Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who is on loan from Premier League sister club Chelsea, is currently the Strasbourg number one.
However, the side from Alsace does not have the option to turn that deal permanent at the end of the season. As a result, Meslier has emerged as a potential option on a free transfer.
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The report states: “Strasbourg wants to stabilise the goalkeeper position as early as next season. According to our information, RCSA is closely monitoring Illan Meslier. And in this case, the timing seems perfect.
Illan Meslier warming up for Leeds United ahead of a Championship clash against Middlesbrough
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“The former FC Lorient goalkeeper is going through a nightmare at Leeds. Frozen out since the start of the season, he hasn’t played a single minute in the Premier League this 2025-2026 campaign. At 25, the Frenchman wants to play again, and fast!
“His contract expires in June 2026. From January onwards, he can therefore negotiate freely with other clubs. A golden opportunity for Strasbourg, who are not, however, the only ones interested.”
Chelsea were linked with Leeds United’s Illan Meslier in 2022
Strasbourg are part of the BlueCo ownership group, which is ultimately controlled by Todd Boehly and his consortium of US investors who also own Chelsea, although the clubs operate through a blind trust, according to the BBC.
Chelsea were previously linked with a move for Meslier after the rising Leeds star impressed in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
The game that finally saw Daniel Farke drop Illan Meslier:
At the time, Meslier was one of the most highly-rated young shot-stoppers in Europe, with former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris predicting he would become France’s number one.
Three years later, Meslier is looking to get his career back on track. At just 25 years old, he is still several years away from his peak and could represent an astute signing for the right club on a free transfer. Who knows, if he joins Chelsea’s sister club, he could yet end up at Stamford Bridge in the future.
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