There’s a lot of talk about Illan Meslier at Leeds United right now. Many fans still believe him to be a goalkeeper with potential, but far too often he’s making individual errors. As was the case last time out.
Leeds United simply can’t afford to throw away points in the race for promotion to the Premier League this season. Already in 2025, we’ve seen Leeds draw against Blackburn Rovers and Hull City, with their lead at the top of the table closing to just the one point.
It was the last game against Hull that’s really angered fans, and brought about a whole new wave of criticism aimed at goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Leeds drew 3-3 with Hull City after coming from a goal behind, but then throwing away a 3-1 lead.
Meslier was criticised for Hull’s first goal. But the 24-year-old was certainly at fault for the second. Leeds players were fuming with Meslier as he palmed the ball into the path of Hull striker Joao Pedro who slotted home for an easy finish.
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Carlton Palmer weighs in on Illan Meslier exit talk at Leeds United
Since that Hull City game, there’s been a lot of talk about Meslier potentially leaving Leeds United, even as soon as this January transfer window. Daniel Farke says he won’t drop Meslier anytime soon, though there’s growing cries from fans for him to do so.
Speaking to Football League World, pundit Carlton Palmer has given his thoughts on Meslier’s Leeds future. He said: “It would take a big offer, I think, for Illan to leave Leeds United. Daniel Farke’s not like that, he’s a loyal person to his players. But, they have got two other goalkeepers.
“It was thought that when they brought Karl Darlow to the club that he would be the number one. So, we’ll have to wait and see.
“I think Leeds United may be open to selling him if they get an offer in the region of £20m+, especially if money’s tight, which it has been – they had to sell [Crysencio] Summerville and Archie Gray.”
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The latest on outside interest in Illan Meslier
Going into January, Meslier was one of the Leeds players most in demand. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United were linked with Meslier, along with Fiorentina and Rennes too.
Little has been said about Meslier securing a big move away from Leeds United since the turn of the year. And since that Hull disaster, there’s been a wave of talk about Meslier leaving, but not to any big club.
Leeds signed Meslier on a permanent deal from Lorient for £5milion in 2020. His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.
The Whites return to action against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday evening.
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