Leeds United will be looking into potential replacements for Illan Meslier, as Daniel Farke’s choice speaks volumes.
That choice being to drop Meslier for Karl Darlow who didn’t have too much to do in Leeds 1-1 draw with Luton Town.
When he did, Darlow produced some fine saves, which sends a clear message to Farke about Meslier.
Darlow is seen as the ultimate professional, which gives more reason why the Leeds boss would prefer him.
With Meslier now dropped and his contract coming to an end in 2026, a replacement will be needed, and one target is desperate for the huge task at Elland Road.
Jeremias Ledesma’s agents have given green light for Leeds United move
With goalkeeping targets being mooted, Jeremias Ledesma is someone on Leeds’ radar.
The Argentinian shot-stopper has been out of favour at River Plate after having a successful spell at Spanish side Cadiz.
This has ultimately got the 32-year-old wanting a move, and despite River Plate not wanting to sell Ledesma, a new revelation has come to light.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Ledesma has a contract until 2028 and a £13m buyout clause.
The goalkeeper is likely to change teams in the summer when the transfer market opens, as there is strong interest from Mexican teams.
But the main possibility that has emerged is that the goalkeeper’s agents ‘like’ Leeds United the ‘most’, hinting to this transfer developing over the summer.
Leeds United need an experienced goalkeeper after Meslier approach
It’s been clear from Meslier’s six seasons in Yorkshire that the younger goalkeeper approach hasn’t worked.
Meslier joined as an exciting prospect from Lorient, but after continuous mistakes, the Frenchman’s career at Leeds might be over.
Darlow showed in one game how much an experienced head in goal can avoid mistakes, and this has been a reoccurring problem for Meslier.
Although Meslier has been given sympathy by Leeds fans, this won’t change their stance, and Leeds should look the way of Ledesma, who has strong experience in the game, and even after just four starts in 2024 for River Plate showed he’s a reliable option.
| Ledesma’s statistics for River Plate in 2024 | |
| Save percentage | 83.3% |
| Goals conceded | 3 |
| Errors led to goal | 0 |
| Pass accuracy % | 78.2% |
| Saves | 15 |
With his agents liking the prospect of Leeds and Ledesma wanting out of Argentina, the move makes sense for all parties.
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