Leeds United’s main priority in the January transfer window will be keeping their key players at Elland Road for the rest of the season.
Daniel Farke‘s side have an even better opportunity of winning automatic promotion than this time 12 months ago and trying to replace important members of the squad at the midway point of the campaign would only disrupt things.
Farke is keen for Leeds to have a quiet January but while ever they remain a Championship side, clubs from divisions above are always going to be taking a look at their players.
Max Wober is an example of that, with his former club Red Bull Salzburg keen to bring him back to Austria after a difficult start to the season.
However, Wober now finally looks as though he could be about to get a run in the side after producing a couple of solid displays against Derby County and Middlesbrough.
Carlton Palmer tells Leeds what to do with Meslier
Wober isn’t the only senior member of Leeds’ squad wanted by a club from one of Europe’s top-flight leagues, but Illan Meslier too.
Ligue 1 side Rennes are keen on Meslier ahead of the January window, having signed Glen Kamara from Leeds back in the summer.
Rennes are willing to pay £15 million for Meslier and that would give Leeds a decision to make considering he has just 18 months left on his contract.
Given Meslier‘s shaky form this season, goalkeeper is certainly a position which could do with upgrading at Leeds, but January is unlikely to be the right time.
Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer has spoken to Football League World about reports linking Meslier with a move, and believes the 49ers shouldn’t entertain anything below £20m-£25m for a player who is ‘happy at the club’.
He said: “Leeds United’s young, talented goalkeeper Illan Meslier, the 24-year-old, is attracting attention from Ligue 1 side Rennes. There’s always going to be rumours and there’s always going to be talk about players moving on, especially when the club’s doing as well as what they are, and he’s been outstanding.
“He’s recovered from the mistake he made against Sunderland to keep seven clean sheets since, he’s an outstanding goalkeeper. But he’s supposed to be very, very happy at Leeds United.
“He’s convinced that he wants to help Leeds United get back to the Premier League this season, and they’re well on course for that, so I don’t believe Leeds United should cash in during the transfer window. I really don’t, unless they get a ridiculous offer for the player.
“I would think for a young player who’s very talented and is probably going to go on and be the number one French goalkeeper, they’ll be looking for at least £20m-£25m for him if they were to let him go.
“But if they’re back in the Premier League next season then I’m sure Meslier will be happy if he’s plying his trade there. So, I don’t think they should cash in, but as we’ve seen before, obviously, if Leeds go up, they won’t have to worry about Financial Fair Play or anything like that.
“Obviously, if they don’t get promotion this season, then they will look to sell, but we’ll have to wait and see. I don’t think they should cash in on him in the January transfer window whatsoever.
“They’re going great guns at the moment and there’s no need for them to sell, and I don’t believe they need to sell anybody else at this moment in time.”
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Graeme Bailey explains latest on Meslier’s Leeds future
As speculation grows over a move away from Leeds for Meslier, LeedsUnited.News spoke exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey to get the latest.
Bailey says Meslier is a player that’s ‘very highly regarded’ in his home nation of France, but the summer is looking more likely to be the time when a decision is made on his future.
He said: “He’s very highly regarded in France. Meslier has got his eyes on the World Cup squad in 2026. If Leeds don’t get promoted, he will leave. I don’t think any Leeds fans will want to stand in his way.
“Meslier is one that if they go back to the Premier League, we will see. He won’t leave in January. They aren’t in the business of selling in January, unless it’s the business of selling one to bring another in.”
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