Illan Meslier
(Credit: Imago)
Matthew Chadder
Sun 17 August 2025 13:16, UK
Illan Meslier has been linked with a Leeds United exit since the beginning of the summer.
Daniel Farke has been rebuilding his squad in preparation for the Premier League, with Leeds set to host Everton at Elland Road on Monday, 18 August, as they return to the top-flight of English football.
One of the German’s priorities has been upgrading his goalkeeper, and Leeds have signed Lucas Perri, who is expected to become the new number one in West Yorkshire.
Meslier has been tipped to leave Leeds, and a return to France could now be on the cards.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up
Farke has been keen to upgrade on Meslier at Leeds (Credit: Imago)
FC Lorient approach Leeds to re-sign Meslier
It is no secret that Leeds are planning to sell Meslier if the opportunity arises before the transfer window shuts.
MORE LEEDS STORIES
Perri was handed the number one shirt for Leeds’ 1-1 draw with AC Milan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 9 August, a clear signal of Farke’s plans between the sticks this season.
In addition, Meslier is understood to have already vacated his property in Yorkshire, as Leeds offer the goalkeeper to clubs around Europe.
The Whites are looking to sell the shot-stopper for around £5-6million, and as reported by Sacha Tavolieri via X on Sunday, 17 August, FC Lorient have made contact to enquire about the conditions of a possible transfer.
Leeds signed Meslier from Lorient in 2020 for £5m, and a return to his boyhood club could now be on the cards for the 25-year-old.
🟡🇫🇷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
How much could Leeds save by selling Meslier?
Leeds want around £5m for Meslier, which would represent a tidy boost to the finances.
In addition, Meslier earns £30,000-per-week at Elland Road, as per Capology. The Frenchman has one year remaining on his contract with Leeds.
Therefore, if the Whites were to sell the goalkeeper in the coming days, they would save around £1.4m.
It looks as though Meslier would be spending most of the season sitting on the bench if he were to remain in West Yorkshire. As a result, selling him is a no-brainer, especially if Leeds can secure around £6-7m in total by offloading the unwanted shot-stopper.
Sign up for theMOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts