Currently, Daniel Farke and the 49ers are working with a bloated Leeds United squad, even with more additions yet to be brought in.
Leeds United have signed seven new players to bolster Daniel Farke’s ranks but Paraag Marathe has already confirmed the need for Leeds sales earlier in the summer.
Players leaving Leeds for cash has to be a priority now for the club, given that PSR constraints are likely to be felt more and with most players heading out on loan from the club.
Another of those is now third-choice Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier. He is one of seven players who could yet leave Leeds before the deadline, as they look to cut their cloth accordingly.
Illan Meslier looks on during Burnley vs Leeds United.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
The latest on Illan Meslier’s situation at Leeds United
Recently, Leeds United News exclusively revealed all the details regarding the fact Leeds are now open to selling Meslier following the arrival of Lucas Perri to West Yorkshire.
A few months ago, we reported Meslier could stay at Elland Road into next season, but more recent developments suggest he is heading elsewhere.
Meslier was omitted from the AC Milan squad during the final pre-season game recently. That was one nail in the coffin but Meslier was then stripped of his shirt number for the game, too.
Already since then, it has been stated that there is an acceptance Meslier will leave Leeds this summer, with Leeds reportedly offering Meslier to other clubs at one stage and with an exit edging closer.
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That same idea has since been reiterated by Joe Donnohue of FourFourTwo, who shares the latest update on Meslier below.
Meslier is being offered around clubs in Europe for around £5 million – £6 million this summer. He is also said to be expected to leave after becoming third in the goalkeeping pecking order for Leeds.
In terms of a destination, PSG and Como are considering Meslier as a back up goalkeeper, albeit it is unclear if he would be happy to fulfill such a role. Meslier is in the final year of his Elland Road contract.
Other interest earlier in the summer came via Ligue 1 outfit RC Strasbourg, who are keen on Meslier and Meslier has been in talks with Fenerbahce previously as well.
It’s a far cry from some valuations being as high as £40 million (Football Insider) during the latter stages of the Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce season when Leeds were relegated.
Nigel Martyn during Leeds' Champions League clash against Valencia.
8 May 2001: Nigel Martyn of Leeds protests at the first goal during the match between Valencia and Leeds United in the UEFA Champions League semi-final, second leg at Mestalla, Camp Del Valencia, Valencia, Spain. Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/ALLSPORT
Leeds legend Nigel Martyn’s view of Illan Meslier
Speaking via The Yorkshire Post, Leeds legend Nigel Martyn revealed his thoughts on the situation regarding Meslier and losing his place for Leeds.
He said: “He’s been a good servant to the club and he’s made unbelievable saves. I think he should be remembered fondly at the club.
“But I think one or two mistakes too many have been his downfall. He is still very young. He’s susceptible to those things. It does happen.”
On Meslier reacting to Perri’s arrival as first-choice, Martyn added: “I think it will have been handled behind closed doors before this announcement in Dublin. I think Illan could probably see the writing on the wall.
“Getting dropped at the back end of the season, at an important time, because of mistakes you’ve made, probably means you’re done. A fresh start for him would be a good thing.”