Illan Meslier joined Leeds United from FC Lorient in the summer of 2019 and has been the first-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road since 2020.
The Frenchman is in his final year of contract and it’s uncertain whether he’ll still be at Leeds beyond this summer window.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report that Lorient are keen on signing him. He also explained the newly promoted French club have contacted Leeds to find out the conditions needed to sign him.
Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni has been speaking to the local media, confirming that the 25-year-old is on their list, and Le Télégramme have relayed his comments.
“He’s on the list. It would be a huge opportunity, but the situation isn’t straightforward,” he said.
Le Télégramme say it would be huge if the Ligue 1 side were to be successful in bringing the stopper back to the club in this window. However, the operation, like Pantaloni has indicated, remains complex because of the finances.
The report states Meslier is valued between €15-20m, which would be difficult for Lorient to match.
The other option is to sign him on loan, but the Whites are unlikely to sanction this as his contract expires in 2026. Even if Leeds were to let Meslier leave on loan, Lorient won’t be able to meet his current salary.