With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Leeds United are preparing for a pivotal few months as they gear up for a return to the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke's side clinched the 2024/25 Championship title, edging out Burnley to secure top spot and automatic promotion back to the top flight. However, with newly promoted teams often struggling to find their footing and many facing relegation after just one season, Leeds will need to be smart in the transfer market to avoid a similar fate.
A key part of that process will involve reshaping the squad, which means saying goodbye to some players who contributed to this season’s success. One such player facing an uncertain future at Elland Road is goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The 25-year-old joined Leeds from French side FC Lorient in 2020 and has made over 200 appearances across all competitions. Despite his long-standing role in the team, Farke lost confidence in Meslier this season, eventually dropping him in favour of Karl Darlow for the crucial run-in.
Meslier's contract runs until 2026, so come this summer, he’ll have just one year remaining. With the club expected to strengthen their goalkeeping options, a move away from Elland Road looks increasingly likely.
In previous years, Leeds reportedly valued Meslier at around £40 million. But with his reduced role and only a year left on his deal, his market value has dropped significantly.
According to transfermarkt, Meslier is now valued at approximately £13.5 million, which is down from £15.1 million at the start of the season. If Leeds do decide to sell, it's unlikely they’ll fetch the £20 million they reportedly turned down 12 months ago.
When Meslier originally signed permanently in 2020, the fee was undisclosed, though it’s believed to have been in the region of £5 million. So, even if he’s sold for less than last year’s asking price, Leeds would still make a healthy profit, which is a positive outcome from a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) standpoint.
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