Illan Meslier
This past summer saw a huge saga develop at Leeds United. On the verge of winning promotion to the Premier League, Daniel Farke decided to make a shock decision during the run-in.
He benched first choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier for the final run of games, and instead used Karl Darlow. The Welshman stepped in and was flawless till the end of the season, with the club winning the league title on the final day. After the campaign, many expected Meslier to be done at Elland Road.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
But he managed to remain at the club in the summer transfer window, despite offers and interest from European clubs. Even in January, he had suitors but a possible move to Turkey fell through.
Illan Meslier star criticized after shocking image emerges
With his contract up in the summer, the Frenchman is now stuck outside the first team squad at Elland Road till the end of the season. This week, he was involved in a game with the Leeds U21 side against Manchester City. The youth side lost 3-0, but what caught the fans’ attention was the first goal Meslier conceded; he was beaten far too easily at his near post for the goal.
Many fans on Twitter/X saw the video and laid criticism on the 25-year old. Illan Meslier is more or less done at Leeds United; he will not play a single game between now and the end of the season. And with what the technical team saw in the U21s game, any chance the Frenchman had of making the matchday squad may have slipped out of his hands. Now the club have to wait till the end of the season to see what happens.
READ MORE: Leeds United star deemed ‘not good enough’ by Chelsea manager eager for opportunity
Karl Darlow seems to be winning race for number one
Speaking about the Leeds United goalkeeping situation, a clear winner has emerged over the last few weeks. Daniel Farke decided to bench Lucas Perri after calling out his mistakes to the media. Since Darlow has come in goal, he has looked a more steady presence, even keeping a clean sheet in the win over Fulham.
What happened on Friday night might have sealed his position for the rest of the season; after being at fault for an Arsenal goal last week, many expected him to be benched. But Farke kept faith and played him against Forest. The Welshman delivered, making crucial saves to keep the Whites in the game in multiple moments. He was unlucky to concede a late goal, but he has now sealed his position in the first team.
READ MORE: ‘I think…’ – Jeff Stelling offers brutal Leeds United relegation verdict