Daniel Farke and many Leeds United fans will have questioned Illan Meslier’s performances this season.
Meslier has endured a tough season in the Championship with many errors costing Leeds already this season.
The Frenchman is slowly losing support as the Whites’ no.1 after Meslier’s blunders in Leeds’ draw with Hull City. Not to mention Meslier’s howler at Sunderland.
Farke was angry at Meslier after Hull, and it may have suggested the Leeds boss is in the market for a new goalkeeper.
Leeds identified River Plate’s Jeremias Ledesma as a possible replacement for the 24-year-old, but a new report has emerged that may make the move unlikely to happen.
Leeds United target Jeremias Ledesma has ‘no chance’ of joining
It was suggested that Ledesma could leave River Plate before the end of the window, but Leeds’ pursuit of the Argentine may come to an end.
Journalist, Juan Cortese, has dismissed the chance of Ledesma departing Argentina with manager Marcelo Gallardo wanting to keep his back-up goalkeeper despite losing out to the no.1 spot due to Franco Armani.
Cortese said: “For now, Jeremías Ledesma has no chance of leaving and, ultimately, Gallardo has no intention of getting rid of him. Today he has his role due to the great level of Franco Armani.
“It is clear that Gallardo does not want him to leave. He is a quality goalkeeper and will probably have more minutes than one can imagine this season, taking into account the large number of games.
“Armani will be River’s goalkeeper for as long as he wants, but, at any time, Ledesma can begin to be River’s goalkeeper in some games when he is needed: in the Argentine Cup or in one of those decisive games for the calendar requirement.”
Ledesma may favour Leeds move after Meslier’s performances
Not many keepers in world football would want to be seen as a no.2 and if Gallardo believes Ledesma has such quality, it could even heighten a bid from Leeds.
Meslier has left Leeds fans frustrated with many calling on Farke to make a change in goal.
Karl Darlow impressed Paul Robinson against Harrogate Town on Saturday as the 34-year-old could stake his claim in staying in net at Elland Road.
However, Ledesma may see this as an opportunity to bring his claim to the table and pounce on the chance, as the 31-year-old did show his brilliance at former club Cadiz last season.
| Ledesma’s statistics in LaLiga for Cadiz in the 23/24 season | |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Saves | 105 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
| High claims | 53 |
| Accurate long balls | 328 |
After only four appearances for River Plate this campaign, Ledesma could go against Gallardo’s wishes and force a move to Leeds.
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