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Leeds player rumoured to have moved out with multi-million exit now on cards - report

Illan Meslier

(Credit: Imago)

Evan Lloyd

Thu 14 August 2025 19:14, UK

Leeds United are expected to sanction the sale of goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the final weeks of the window.

The Frenchman is keen on an exit this summer, after losing his place in Daniel Farke’s starting line-up at the end of last season.

Leeds have already signed Lucas Perri from Lyon in a deal worth around £15.6million, with the Brazilian expected to start the season as the new number one.

The goalkeeper was the seventh arrival at Elland Road this summer, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to be the eighth new signing after a deal was agreed in principle for the free agent.

Lucas Perri in action for Ligue 1 side Lyon

Perri was signed from Lyon (Credit: Imago)

Leeds looking to make their money back on Illan Meslier

Leeds signed Meslier for around £5m from French club Lorient in 2020, after the goalkeeper had enjoyed a promising second half of the season in the Championship.

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Upon the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League, the Frenchman went from strength to strength, quickly attracting big-money interest from the league’s top clubs.

But the years following Leeds’ relegation from the top-flight have seen mistakes creep into the Frenchman’s game, with questions over his starting role coming to a head last season.

Illan Meslier has made 214 appearances for Leeds United, keeping 72 clean sheets.

Meslier made several key mistakes throughout the season – the most notable of which coming at The Stadium of Light, where the goalkeeper inexplicably failed to collect an easy catch and allowed Sunderland a last-gasp equaliser.

After the signing of Perri, the Frenchman now finds himself third choice for Farke, and is expected to depart before the window closes.

According to Joe Donnohue on 14 August, Leeds are offering Meslier to clubs in Europe for around £5-6m.

The goalkeeper is rumoured to have already vacated his property in Yorkshire, ahead of an anticipated move.

Lucas Perri is a certain upgrade on Illan Meslier

The Premier League, perhaps more than anywhere else, requires a strong goalkeeper in between the sticks.

Perri looks to be exactly that, with the Brazilian boasting strong numbers in Ligue 1 for Lyon last season.

The 27-year-old should also give Farke a different dimension, with his remarkably long throws allowing for speedy counter-attacks.

Lucas Perri Ligue 1 2024/25 (per 90)

Saves 3.41

Save percentage 74.5%

Throws attempted 5.14

Stats via FBref

Once, Meslier looked to be the man who would hold the number one shirt at Elland Road for the next decade.

His downfall will not be revelled in by Leeds fans, but the Whites’ success back in the Premier League must ultimately be prioritised.

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