Illan Meslier request denied as 49ers left kicking themselves at Leeds United

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The 49ers will no doubt come under scrutiny if Leeds United don’t get promoted this season.

There were already red flags around the club when Leeds lost their playoff final last season.

This left many questioning Daniel Farke’s position and even left Farke’s future in doubt at Leeds.

But Farke is only next in line to Illan Meslier, who has been receiving the most criticism.

However, the request from Meslier, which was denied, may leave Leeds fans turning to the 49ers as their next target.

Illan Meslier had release clause request denied at Leeds United

With the Leeds number one now looking likely to exit Elland Road, this will leave fans wondering what kind of fee they’ll look to receive.

It’s unknown at the moment, but Meslier has a £20m+ asking price, which gives some idea.

However, a 49ers decision that has ultimately backfired fell perfectly into their laps by Meslier himself.

According to GIVEMESPORT in September, Ben Jacobs claimed that Meslier wanted a release clause inserted into a new contract if Leeds failed at promotion.

Jacobs said: “The 49ers enterprise’s approach is very much that their hands have been a bit tied contractually, and anyone that they negotiate with, they want to try and remove that clause.

“But of course, from the player’s point of view, if you knew the clause existed for others, or you signed a new long-term deal, and I think this is particularly the case, from what I hear, with Meslier, that the player may want to protect themselves against the fact that if Leeds don’t go up, they’re stuck on a long-term deal, and maybe they feel their development is elsewhere. So it’s a balancing act.”

READ MORE: Wilfried Gnonto paints a clear picture on how the Leeds United players feel about Illan Meslier

Why the 49ers will be kicking themselves at Meslier decision

There’s no denying that Meslier had an absolute howler against Swansea, which has brought the conversation of his exit up again.

Leeds weren’t at their best, but Meslier suffered more than anyone, and it’s clear with his numbers during the game.

This proves that the 49ers have had a howler in itself for rejecting Meslier’s proposal of a release clause.

With his asking price around the £20m mark, this could’ve set a clause slightly higher around £30m, setting a benchmark for clubs to look in and around the £20m stated.

Now, without a new contract and no release clause, Leeds will be looking to sell Meslier, but it may only attract much lower offers than expected.

Meslier was told to exit Leeds in 2023 and adding onto the refusal of a release clause shows Leeds have had two errors in managing the goalkeeper.

It’s hard to see who will look into buying Meslier after a disappointing season, but the 49ers should’ve accepted the Frenchman’s wishes.