Leeds United could be about to have a long-serving player leave the club. It’s arguably for the best, but there’s no real replacement plan in place right now.
Leeds United’s summer transfer window is fully underway now with two signings and many more expected in the coming weeks, as Daniel Farke gets his side in shape to take on the Premier League next season.
On Monday, Leeds United confirmed the signing of Jaka Bijol. The centre-back, who shone during Euro 2024 with Slovenia, becomes the second signing to arrive at Elland Road so far this summer.
Lukas Nmecha was the first. The former Middlesbrough and Preston man joins Leeds on a free transfer after his Wolfsburg release, but expect Farke to want more in attack, and indeed in various positions across the pitch.
One such position is in goal. Farke desperately needs a new no.1 after Illan Meslier fell out of favour last season.
Illan Meslier poised to leave Leeds United as exit talks ramp up
Going into this summer, it was reported that Meslier was set to leave Leeds United. The 2020 signing from Lorient was Farke’s no.1 goalkeeper for much of last season keeping 21 clean sheets in 39 Championship games. But his individual errors racked up, proving costly, and he was dropped for Karl Darlow.
And recent reports have claimed that Meslier could be about to join Fenerbahce. Speaking to Leeds United news, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Meslier does have interest from Turkey and that the Super Lig is starting to look like the 25-year-old’s likeliest destination this summer.
A good move for all, Farke is certainly playing a dangerous game by allowing Meslier’s exit before he’s signed a new no.1 to replace him. So expect talk of Leeds signing a new goalkeeper to really pick up soon, with three clear candidates to replace Meslier this summer.
Leeds United have three clear options to replace Illan Meslier
Djordje Petrovic
Someone who’s been in a lot of headlines recently is Chelsea and Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
After spending last season on loan at Strasbourg, where he won the club’s Player of the Season award, Petrovic has been put up for sale by Chelsea who appear desperate to offload the goalkeeper, who also seems desperate to leave.
Leeds United have been closely linked with Petrovic. Reports claim that Chelsea will sell Petrovic for £14million this summer, making him a potentially cheaper replacement for Meslier than most other goalkeepers.
Aaron Ramsdale
One shot-stopper who’d cost slightly more than the £14million for Petrovic is Aaron Ramsdale. Valued at £20million by Southampton, Leeds United have been linked with Ramsdale throughout the year, and he now looks certain to leave St Mary’s.
Speaking recently, Southampton owner Dragan Solak said he expects Ramsdale to leave the club this summer. It opens the door for a potential Leeds United move, and there doesn’t seem to be many other clubs making a move for the former Arsenal man right now either.
Ramsdale could be the most likely option to replace Meslier as things stand.
Nick Pope
Nick Pope seems like a name to definitely keep an eye on this summer. Throughout 2025, Leeds United have been linked with Pope who’s been facing a lot of uncertainty over his future at St James’ Park.
Although it seems like both Newcastle and Pope are playing hardball. There have been reports that Pope wants to stay at Newcastle United beyond this summer, and indeed that the club are keen on keeping him.
But out of favour, his situation and feelings towards a move could quickly change.
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