Illan Meslier’s Leeds United exit hint dropped as Lorient manager answers goalkeeper question

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Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni has admitted that his side are in the market for a new goalkeeper amid links with Illan Meslier of Leeds United.

Once one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in Europe, Illan Meslier has fallen down the pecking order at Leeds after a string of high-profile mistakes in their promotion season.

Meslier was dropped from Leeds’ starting line-up after the Whites’ home draw against Swansea City in March, and is now effectively third choice following the arrival of Lucas Perri.

Lorient have emerged as serious contenders for Meslier’s signature in recent days, as the French under-21 international looks to rebuild his career after a challenging run at Leeds.

Now, the Lorient manager has admitted that their hunt for a goalkeeper is “progressing”, as Daniel Farke looks set to offload Leeds’ former number one.

Lorient manager admits goalkeeper talks are “progressing” amid Illan Meslier links

Having won Ligue 2 last season, Lorient are back in the top flight of French football this season and in the market to strengthen their squad as a result.

Meslier’s value has dropped significantly in recent years, making him a potentially viable option for the Breton side, and Pantaloni has admitted that signing a new goalkeeper is now one of his top priorities.

Speaking to French publication Ouest France, Pantaloni said: “We’re still missing four players, in my opinion, with their arrival to come in priority order.”

Asked specifically about Lorient’s hunt for a new goalkeeper, he continued: “This is progressing, but we aren’t there yet.

“I would have liked that to have come sooner. We would have liked that sorted for the first day, but we are adapting.”

Exiled Leeds United goalkeeper could return to his first club

Whilst Pantaloni stopped short of naming Meslier specifically, the fact that the newly-promoted side are openly prioritising the signing of a new goalkeeper adds weight to the links with Meslier.

If Leeds’ French shot-stopper does join Les Merlus, it would represent a full-circle moment in his career, as he nears a return to his hometown club.

Having played his junior football with Merlevenez, Meslier joined the Lorient academy and made his senior debut for the club as an 18-year-old.

After receiving interest from AS Monaco and Chelsea, Meslier joined Leeds, initially on loan, in the 2019-20 season and made his debut for France’s under-21s after catching the eye under Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, the “Ice Man” looks increasingly likely to go back to where his career began, as he looks to get his once-promising career back on track.