Despite Leeds United’s strong recent form and strong season so far, there’s one player who many might agree is a bit of a weak link right now.
After Leeds United beat Sheffield United 3-1 on Monday, doing so in style after coming from behind after an Illan Meslier own goal, the Whites are now five points clear at the top of the Championship table.
All is going well for Daniel Farke’s side who are 17 games unbeaten in the league, with many backing Leeds United to win the title this season after losing the play-off final last time round.
No doubt, Leeds may have to spend big if they’re promoted. It’s been claimed that Leeds would finish in midtable of the Premier League with their current squad but Farke won’t be counting on his existing players should Leeds return to the top flight this season
There’s positions in the side that would certainly need extra depth and extra quality. Perhaps more so than any other position is in goal.
Adrian Clarke says Illan Meslier isn’t good enough for the Premier League
Meslier has faced constant criticism this season with the 24-year-old having made a handful of very costly individual mistakes in games. Thankfully, his attacking teammates bailed him out after his last blunder against Sheffield United.
Despite having kept 20 clean sheets in the Championship this season, second only to Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Meslier has certainly offered some very mixed performances, with reports that Leeds United were prepared to sell Meslier in January.
He remains the no.1 at Elland Road for the time being. But pundit Adrian Clarke says that Farke must ditch Meslier in the event of promotion this season.
Clarke said on What The EFL podcast: “The ‘keeper, if they do go up, has to go. I don’t want to bury him too much, but he has had a stinker of a season, hasn’t he? He has made too many nervy looking errors. He is capable of brilliance, but you cannot rely on him.”
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Leeds United have already identified two Illan Meslier upgrades
There’s a lot of goalkeepers out there who could do a job for Leeds. Now is certainly something of a golden generation for goalkeepers, especially in England with a lot of exciting names around right now.
And two have been linked with Leeds: Caoimhin Kelleher and Aaron Ramsdale. Leeds have been linked with Kelleher throughout the season whilst Ramsdale is a newer link.
It’s understood that Ramsdale is firmly on Leeds United’s radar ahead of the summer with his Southampton side looking nailed on for relegation to the championship this season.
Both goalkeepers have good Premier League experience and both have shown in recent weeks and months that they’re very capable of providing in the top flight. Both would be expensive, but if Leeds can cash in on Meslier at the same time then it could be a good move for all involved.
Leeds return to action against West Brom on Saturday afternoon.
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