Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier further committed his future to the Yorkshire side four years ago today, keeping him at Elland Road until 2026.
The five-year deal was a massive show of faith in a player who had just become the youngest goalkeeper in Premier League history to record 10 clean sheets.
The Frenchman, who joined Leeds from Lorient in 2019, had established himself as the club’s first-choice keeper under manager Marcelo Bielsa.
During the 2020/21 season, Meslier played 35 league games and kept 11 clean sheets as Leeds—enjoying their first Premier League campaign since 2004—finished a respectable ninth.
Since then, a lot has changed. While Meslier played his part in the promotion season under Daniel Farke, a series of high-profile errors saw his form decline…
Illan Meslier’s fall from grace at Leeds United
Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds United has seen a dramatic shift from a promising young star to a player whose future at the club is in doubt.
By the end of the 2024/25 Championship season, errors led manager Daniel Farke to drop him from the starting XI, replacing him with Karl Darlow.
Farke publicly stated that the decision was made to protect the young Frenchman from the intense scrutiny.
Meslier was left out of Leeds’ recent pre-season AC Milan game, adding more fuel to the fire that he is on his way out of Elland Road. Lucas Perri, Leeds’ new goalkeeper, was handed the number one shirt for this game.
Perri’s signing for a reported £15.6m and Farke’s comments about Darlow being ahead of Meslier in the pecking have cemented that Meslier is now third choice and is expected to leave.
Meslier is thought to be one of numerous Leeds departures this summer, with the likes of Isaac Schmidt and Ilia Gruev also thought to be leaving.
Illan Meslier’s next destination if he leaves Leeds United
Rumours and speculation are swirling around Illan Meslier’s future, with a departure from Elland Road appearing increasingly likely.
The goalkeeper’s potential destinations are a mix of clubs across Europe, each offering a different path for him to re-establish himself.
In Turkey, there have been particularly strong rumours linking him with a move to Fenerbahce. With Jose Mourinho now at the helm, the club has been linked with a number of high-profile signings, and Meslier could meet their need for a new number one. Some reports from the Turkish media have even suggested that an agreement is close, though this remains unconfirmed.
A return to France is also a possibility, with Stade Rennais consistently mentioned as a potential suitor. This move would offer Meslier a chance to get his career back on track in a familiar league where he could once again become a long-term first-choice goalkeeper.
Back in England, a move to Leicester City has been heavily discussed. As they prepare for a return to the Championship, Leicester could be in the market for an experienced goalkeeper.
With their current number one, Mads Hermansen, attracting interest from elsewhere, Meslier could be seen as a key signing to aid their promotion push.
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