Leeds United wanted more than just their 10 summer signings, but needed sales to make it happen. Now, one of those potential sales could be about to receive an offer he simply cannot refuse.
Leeds made 10 signings in the end, spending north of £100m. But fans were left frustrated when the club failed to heed Daniel Farke’s public demands and bring in an attacker in the final days of the window.
Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte were targeted, but both reside in West London. The issue Leeds had is that the club had maxed out their PSR position. Come June 30, Leeds would fall foul of the rules.
The upshot is that failing to bring in Wilson or Buonanotte means Leeds are currently abiding by the guidelines. Should they make a signing in January, they will have to sell a player first, or by June 30.
Leeds only sold Rasmus Kristensen and Sam Greenwood for fees, and Kristensen’s exit was confirmed in April. Patrick Bamford and Darko Gyabi left for free, while Illan Meslier has bizarrely remained at Leeds.
Inter Milan now showing interest in Leeds United player for 2026
Others like Max Wober, Isaac Schmidt, Joe Gelhardt, Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph have all left on loan when they could have been sold for fees. Ultimately, Leeds are left hamstrung by PSR rules currently.
Moving forward, Leeds have four players that will see their deals expire in 2026. One of those is Meslier, who remained despite deadline-day talks with Valencia and Lorient. Now, Meslier has a surprise suitor.
Italian outlet CalcioMercato say the Nerazzurri want to sign Meslier on a free, as they look to sign a back-up goalkeeper in 2026. Man City’s Stefan Ortega and Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow are also mentioned.
An offer that Illan Meslier simply cannot refuse, even as back-up
Every goalkeeper will be of the mindset that they would prefer to be a no.1 at a lesser club, than back-up at an elite club. But realistically, the chance to join Inter Milan is an opportunity Meslier cannot pass up.
Not least, due to the wages, but the chance to play in the Champions League. Meslier harbours France ambitions, Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News, and even as back-up at Inter, he can achieve those.
This is an opportunity Meslier cannot pass up or refuse. Third-choice at Leeds to second-choice at Inter would be a wonderful move for Meslier, who is in dire need of a change after six years at Elland Road.
Illan Meslier could be Elia Caprile’s back-up at Inter Milan
Caprile was a youngster at Leeds, often playing in the 21s before returning to his home nation and since becoming one of the best Italian goalkeepers in Serie A. AC Milan are also said to be looking at Caprile.
Caprile’s form for Cagliari after a solid handful of outings under Antonio Conte with Napoli last season has made him a long-term contender to replace Yann Sommer at Inter. He is highly thought of in Italy.
There is a scenario then, that both Caprile and Meslier are signed next summer by Inter Milan. Caprile was not even considered as competition for Meslier at Leeds, now Meslier could be his Inter understudy.
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