Graham Smyth: Leeds will not be ‘upset’ if ‘fantastic’ player now leaves Elland Road

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Yorkshire Evening Post writer Graham Smyth has told the Inside Elland Road podcast that Leeds United will not be “upset” if an offer comes in for Illan Meslier, and the Frenchman departs. Meslier has been linked with the exit door.

Meslier, 23, was dropped by Sam Allardyce for the last four Premier League games of the season. It comes after he was no.1 for Leeds for three years in a row – breaking into the side towards the end of our promotion to the top tier.

Replacing Kiko Casilla, he kept the Spaniard on the bench as Marcelo Bielsa guided Leeds to ninth in 2020-21. He remained, breaking Premier League records on his way. But his form dipped during the second half of last season.

Now, it is more than likely that Leeds will allow Meslier to go. Whether there is a bid for Meslier before the end of the window remains to be seen. Leeds want a replacement and both Karl Darlow, and Alex Nubel have been linked.

Described as “fantastic” by Jack Harrison last season, Meslier is one of a number of players who could still join the exodus of players that have left. Smyth says that Leeds will not be upset if offers come in and Meslier does depart.

“I don’t think they’d be upset to be honest if a bid came in for Meslier because of the noises he’s made, everyone has had the adaptation period to get used to the idea of him going, so maybe that’s not such a difficult one.”

Graham Smyth: Leeds will not be upset if offer comes in for Illan Meslier

Leeds want to sell, Meslier wants to go. So, all signs point towards the exit door. The issue Leeds and Meslier now have, is trying to find a buyer. His form last season, and his eventual axe, means clubs have been put off of a deal.

It might be that Leeds have to reduce their asking price for the ex-Lorient goalkeeper. Chelsea have always been linked with Meslier, even looking at him before he moved to Leeds. They have sold Edouard Mendy to Saudi Arabia.

So, Chelsea could go in for Meslier. A return to France could also be on the cards. Monaco have waved goodbye to Nubel after two years on loan with the Ligue 1 side and he needs replacing. But Meslier is yet to receive an offer.