Heading into this summer transfer window, Leeds united knew what to do to address their goalkeeping dilemna. Daniel Farke made a bold choice last season which paid off in the end.
With a series of Illan Meslier’s errors costing the team crucial points, Farke decided to drop the keeper to the bench for the rest of the season. Karl Darlow stepped in, and the rest was history, the Whites lifted the Championship on the final day. Leeds acted fast in the transfer window and brought in Lyon keeper Lucas Perri.
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But the new signing meant last season’s first choice keeper was now third choice, as Farke made it known in pre-season.
”Karl is ahead of [Meslier] in the pecking order at the moment.
”He had a fantastic finish last season and also really good pre-season. So there’s no need for me to change the order.
”Meslier was more or less number 2 behind Karl. Karl doesn’t give me any reason to change the pecking order.”
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
Lorient eye move for Leeds United star
Illan Meslier
Credit: Imago Images
Illan Meslier has been looking for a way out of the club all summer. He has had concrete links to European clubs, but no one has made an official proposal to sign him. Leicester City and Paris Saint-Germain were linked a month ago, and most recently, Valencia are said to be monitoring his situation.
French outlet Ouest France are now reporting that Lorient have serious interest in the 25-year old. Meslier is part of a three-man shortlist that the club are assessing before they make a move. The choice is between the Leeds United man and two other options.
Perfect time for Meslier to leave
After being left out of every matchday squad this season, the keeper knows his place in the team. If Leeds get the chance to sell the keeper, they have to take the opportunity. This summer represents the last time the Whites can get a fee from a sale, as Meslier is out of contract next summer. The club need to do business instead of risk losing him on a free transfer.
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