How Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could do with a few rather quiet, uneventful weeks between the sticks.
Because, at the moment, the narrative surrounding the Frenchman is that, if Leeds United do secure a return to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, their success will be despite him rather than because of him.
While it’s debatable how many points Illan Meslier has really cost Leeds this term, the fact remains that the title-chasers would be clear at the top if it wasn’t for, to use just two examples, that calamitous, stoppage time blunder at Sunderland or that collapse against Hull City in early-2025.
Daniel Farke remains committed to Meslier – this is Leeds United, not Leeds Divided, he quipped – but that is certainly not a stance shared by everyone on the Elland Road terraces. Or, indeed, the media.
Former Leeds hero Stuart Dallas feels Karl Darlow is due a run in goal. The frustration felt by many of a Whites persuasion was not aided, meanwhile, by the sight of Elia Caprile shining against Serie A giants AC Milan on his Cagliari debut this month.
Did Leeds put their faith in the wrong baby-faced shot-stopper?
There is also the chance that Leeds could make a move for Noel Tornqvist. According to reports in his native Sweden, there is ‘serious interest’ in the Mjallby AIF glovesman.
Leeds United’s Noel Tornqvist move played down in Sweden
Tornqvist was linked with a switch to Elland Road back in 2023.
Now a few years older at the age of 22 and much more experienced, the 6ft 6ins Swedish Under-21 international is certainly one to watch over the coming weeks or months in West Yorkshire.
Though while Leeds’ interest is nothing new, as far as Mjallby’s sporting director Hasse Larsson knows, there have been precious few developments regarding turning that admiration into anything more ‘concrete’.
Speaking this week, Larsson tells Sydostran that Tornqvist is no closer to leaving Scandinavian football as the transfer window enters ‘business end’ territory.
“There is a lot of talk but there is nothing concrete,” the director explains. “There is interest but nothing concrete.”
According to reports, Leeds United could land Noel Tornqvist for just under £2 million. Larsson did admit that Leeds scouted the goalkeeper back in October, alongside two as-yet unnamed Dutch Eredivisie clubs, but that is as far as things have gone it appears.
Tornqvist, meanwhile, would relish the chance to prove himself on British soil.
“It’s probably the Premier League and English football,” Tornqvist said recently when asked to discuss his footballing dream.
“You always remember when you were smaller on Saturdays at 4pm. You might have had a match of your own in the morning, then you met some friends and watched English football. So, England is the dream destination.”
Daniel Farke continues to back Illan Meslier at Elland Road
Leeds host Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday night, with Meslier expected to start once again between the sticks.
Farke accepts that the Frenchman’s form has left a lot to be desired recently. But he feels it would be folly to swap out his number one for another option midway through the season with Leeds still very well placed to secure the Championship trophy.
“He has many clean sheets and good saves. He needs to show this with more consistency. It is important to be honest and open, but we must not forget what we have got,” Farke said recently.
“He is quite self-criticial, his standards are high. Am I 100% happy with his performances? No, but he is one of our own. He can improve but we need to back him. I have signed a contract for Leeds United and not Leeds Divided.
“It would be a sign of madness to make a change.”
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