Daniel Farke held his press conference earlier on Tuesday as Leeds prepare for a trip to Wearside on Sunday 28th December – and was asked about Illan Meslier.
Sunderland await a Leeds side who are unbeaten in four games, with Lucas Perri in between the sticks and Karl Darlow on the bench as his deputy.
It means Illan Meslier is yet to play a single second of football for Leeds this season, and with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, the question of a potential January sale was put to Daniel Farke as the 49ers approach their last chance to recoup a fee for the Frenchman.
Daniel Farke insists he wants to keep Illan Meslier at Leeds United but leaves door open to Celtic
TEAMtalk recently stated that Celtic want Meslier – and the Leeds outcast is open to a move to Glasgow.
However, it sounds like the 25-year-old will have to force through an exit himself if that deal is to materialise.
The game that finally saw Daniel Farke drop Illan Meslier ❌
Two mistakes that Farke simply could not ignore.
When asked if he has any plans to sell Meslier, Farke said: “No. All the players in the squad are part of my plans and all the attention of myself is to each and every player, even if the player at the moment is not that much involved, or just on the bench or sometimes also not in the squad, like in this case (with) Illan – but I’ve made my feelings clear about him.
“I rate him that much. I think he’s a goalkeeper full of potential, unbelievable young goalkeeper – especially at this young age to have so many games (at) Championship and Premier League level is very remarkable. Also with Illan, a joy to work with him each and every day and at the moment, we also need all our goalkeepers. So far on the match day squads, we had injuries, we had illnesses, and for that, it’s not the plan to do anything.
“Of course it can change in January if someone wants to leave anyhow due to a situation, but, from my side there is no proactive wish to change anything in our goalkeeping squad, not at all… I’m happy to have them all.”
That is an understandable stance, as Leeds would be left in a real spot of bother should both Perri and Darlow suffer a serious injury.
However, from a financial point of view, the 49ers might have a different outlook if Celtic do make an official approach, given the fact Meslier is currently set to leave for free in six months.
Why Illan Meslier himself is unlikely to force a move to Celtic
In our opinion, the man born in Lorient is not going to agitate for a move this winter.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke's plans.
Meslier seems to love Leeds despite slipping to third in the pecking order, passionately celebrating Ao Tanaka’s late equaliser in the 3-3 draw against Liverpool despite being banished from the squad.
Furthermore, the Leeds No.16 can earn a better salary by waiting until free agency hits, as those who move on free transfers typically receive larger wages due to the lack of a transfer fee.
In addition to Celtic, Strasbourg have also been linked to Meslier – along with Anderlecht and AC Milan – so it sounds like he will have a range of clubs to choose from next summer.
Therefore, it would presumably take something quite drastic for Meslier to leave Leeds this winter, even more so after what Farke said in his press conference.
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