Cesc Fabregas is trying to stop Leeds United from landing the perfect Illan Meslier replacement

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Relegation from the Premier League saw Illan Meslier linked with a Leeds United exit and last year, there were more rumours the Frenchman could leave – and those murmurs continue to circle.

A large portion of the Leeds United fanbase have grown tired of Illan Meslier between the sticks despite his 21 clean sheets from 38 Championship games this season. It feels like Meslier’s time is nearing an end.

If Leeds don’t get promoted, Meslier will surely depart. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Meslier will go if Leeds aren’t in the Premier League next term, with Meslier thought of highly in France.

If Leeds do go up, The 49ers may agree with fans that a new goalkeeper is required. The memory of his mistakes against the likes of Hull, Sunderland and Preston this season have left a bad taste in the mouth.

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Perfect Leeds replacement now eyed by Cesc Fabregas at Como

Since Daniel Farke has taken charge, Leeds have been linked with Viktor Johansson. Immediately after relegation, the Sweden international was linked with Leeds and then again, Leeds eyed him last summer.

But Johansson has since become Stoke City captain after a move from Rotherham last summer, starring for a side that are fighting relegation. Despite their position, he has excelled between Stoke’s goalposts.

Swedish outlet Aftonbladet claim Cesc Fabregas’ Como want to lure the goalkeeper to Serie A while Andoni Iraola – who turned down a move to Leeds in 2023 – is also eyeing a move over at Bournemouth.

Why Leeds need to reignite Viktor Johansson interest soon

Johansson has been exceptional for Stoke this season, proving he is far better than the Championship. His shot-stopping is remarkable and this term, he is showing leadership. A man the Stoke fans can rely on.

Despite Stoke conceding 51 goals in 38 games and sitting in 20th, Johansson’s save-to-shot percentage is still better than Meslier’s. FotMob rate him as the Championship’s 15th-best player at the moment.

If Leeds are to replace Meslier, Johansson is the obvious choice. A player The 49ers clearly like and the stats show he is performing better than Meslier – but, Leeds will have to beat both Fabregas and Iraola.