Illan Meslier’s ‘very likely’ destination has been revealed after behind-the-scenes talks to leave Leeds United

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Leeds United may have signed two players this summer but they will also allow some current players to leave permanently or on loan.

Daniel Farke must acquire a new goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow, and Alex Cairns all contracted to Leeds United for just one more season each.

The Frenchman has made over 200 appearances for the club since an initial loan arrival from FC Lorient in 2019 but he lost his place as first-choice at the back end of the 2024/25 promotion campaign.

He could have reacted badly but Patrick Bamford revealed Meslier’s response to being dropped was a positive enough one. That said, Leeds United News has learned exclusive information regarding Meslier’s future.

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Illan Meslier set for Leeds exit and Turkey is the likely destination

Meslier was signed for £5 million and Leeds could therefore cash in easily for a PSR profit. It’s why it is not all that surprising that Leeds are reportedly offering Meslier to other clubs and an exit edges closer.

There is a situation where Leeds retain Meslier but news of interest has ramped up of late. RC Strasbourg are one side keen on Meslier this summer, for example.

There has now been talk of a flight from Turkey coming to speak to Meslier and his entourage. Speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, our transfer expert Graeme Bailey explained the latest.

He said: “So, there is interest from Turkey. I believe that his people have spoken to Fenerbahce and also Galatasaray.

“I’ve not been made aware of any flights yet and wonder why would they fly over unless they sent a private jet for him.

“But Meslier’s people are definitely working on it behind the scenes. I’m told it’s very likely his next career move is to Turkey.”

Following Bailey explaining this to us, Ajansspor report that Jose Mourinho’s side have reached an agreement with Meslier.

The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his contract in West Yorkshire and will travel to the Turkish capital for talks with Fenerbahce this weekend, per their report.

Despite some suggestions previously that Meslier could remain at Leeds this summer, it appears as though a parting of ways is in the process of being concluded.

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Illan Meslier’s 2024/25 Leeds statistics make for difficult reading

With Phil Hay also believing Meslier’s time at Leeds is up, a situation is emerging where the writing looks on the wall for the stopper.

Leeds had a great defence to thank for their clean sheets and defensive record, with Meslier protected well by his back four and the defensive midfield duo for most of the campaign.

It could be argued Leeds kept clean sheets in spite of Meslier. The Whites faced just 99 shots on target and 304 shots overall in 2024/25 — both were the fewest of any team in the division.

That isn’t a goalkeeper capable of starting games in the Premier League anymore. A fresh start should get more out of Meslier and help him regain his confidence and rebuild a once promising career.