Opinion

Illan Meslier could get a Leeds United lifeline as rumour emerges from Elland Road

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Illan Meslier currently looks to have no future at Leeds.

The Frenchman has slipped behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow under Daniel Farke following a series of mistakes last season, which almost cost Leeds promotion from the Championship.

It was telling that Leeds won all of the last six Championship games once Darlow came into the starting XI instead.

As Illan Meslier simply waits for his contract to expire at the end of the season, he could soon be given a lifeline at Elland Road if Leeds hire Brendan Rodgers.

Leeds United like Brendan Rodgers and he could keep Illan Meslier around

Alex Crook of talkSPORT believes Leeds are considering Rodgers – after Farke took Leeds down to 18th following a run of six defeats in seven games.

Ange Postecoglou was also named.

Interestingly, sources informed Leeds United News back on 16th October that Celtic are looking at Meslier ahead of the winter transfer window and had registered their interest.

Crucially, Rodgers was still managing Celtic at the time, suggesting the Northern Irishman was in favour of bringing the Leeds outcast to Glasgow – given how much influence he allegedly had on recruitment.

The game that finally saw Daniel Farke drop Illan Meslier ❌

Two mistakes that Farke simply could not ignore.

Perri is the undisputed No.1 at the moment following his £16m move from Lyon, but a decision needs to be made on who deputises for the Brazilian next season with both Darlow and Meslier becoming free agents at the end of the current campaign.

Seeing as Rodgers seems to like Meslier, it cannot be ruled out that he offers the 25-year-old a contract extension and the chance to become No.2 behind Perri, if he does end up replacing Farke in the coming weeks.

Brendan Rodgers may also give Jack Harrison more chances at Leeds United

While our sources claim Rodgers wanted Meslier at Celtic, the man himself has actually given direct praise to a different Leeds player in the past.

Rodgers hailed Jack Harrison back in 2022 after his Leicester side recorded a 1-0 win over Leeds, saying: “Hamza (Choudhury) is a great player for our squad. It was a challenge for him because he was up against a really good winger (Harrison) who is also good in the one-on-ones.”

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Daniel Farke complains
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Harrison has only made one Premier League start this season under Farke, and does not have an easy way out at the end of the season like Meslier – the winger remains under contract at Leeds until July 2028.

However, based on these past comments, the Leeds No.20 might not need a way out if Rodgers replaces Farke.