Daniel Farke, Illan Meslier
(Credit: Hasan Karim/Imago)
Jack Dawson
Sun 17 August 2025 6:46, UK
Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds United looks all but over.
The goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order at the Yorkshire club after a string of inconsistent performances.
Now, the addition of Lucas Perri at Leeds has sealed the goalkeeper’s fate, with it being clear that the Brazilian will be the Peacocks number one this season.
A departure is expected this summer, and now Meslier may be a step closer to sealing an exit.
Illan Meslier Leeds United
Meslier was eventually dropped from Leeds’ starting XI last season (Credit: Imago)
FC Lorient make contact for Meslier
It was reported earlier this week that Leeds only want around £5-£6million for Meslier this summer.
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Therefore, many clubs may look to take a gamble on the Frenchman, hoping that he may return to form.
Leicester City have been linked to Meslier earlier this window, but now another club appears to have joined the race.
According to Sacha Tavolieri via X on 16 August, FC Lorient are interested in re-signing their former keeper.
Meslier made 30 first-team appearances during his time at FC Lorient
The 25-year-old played for the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side before his move to the Peacocks, progressing through their academy and into the first team.
Now, Lorient have made contact with Leeds to inquire about the possible conditions of a transfer.
🟡🇫🇷EXCL– Illan Meslier has an interest of FC Lorient!
📉 Dropped down the keeper pecking order at Leeds United, Frenchman could return to his boyhood club.
🟠🐟Lorient have made contact with #LUFC to inquire about the possible conditions of a transfer.
⏳Wait&See… #mercato… pic.twitter.com/nDkMXfptuJ
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 16, 2025
View Tweet
Leeds are making one massive error with Meslier sale
While Daniel Farke is right to seek the sale of Meslier, only wanting to sell him for £6m is a massive error.
Last season, the goalkeeper had similar stats to Perri, and is younger than his Brazilian counterpart.
On top of this, Meslier still has significant potential and could go on to be a top player if he manages to turn his form around.
Stats from the 2024/25 campaign Illan Meslier Lucas Perri
Save percentage 70.7% 72.5%
Clean sheets 21 10
Goals prevented -2.73 6.05
Passing accuracy 76.9% 73.7%
Goals conceded 27 44
Errors leading to goals 3 1
Perri is only slightly better than Meslier in multiple stats
Realistically, Leeds should be getting a minimum of £10m plus a significant sell-on fee to part with the Frenchman.
Hopefully, Farke realises the error of his ways and looks to get a decent fee for his former number one.
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