Leeds United told ‘fantastic’ Premier League star would be perfect signing, £10m man on The 49ers’ radar

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One of Leeds United’s priorities this summer will be to replace Illan Meslier between the sticks, with Meslier expected to leave the club after six years at Elland Road.

One of Leeds’ longest-serving players, Meslier joined Leeds on loan from Lorient in 2019 and has since clocked up 214 appearances for The Whites. But of course, Meslier has been dropped by Daniel Farke.

A dismal season despite Leeds’ promotion has seen Meslier make mistakes against the likes of Hull City, Swansea and Sunderland. Karl Darlow has come in and provided Leeds with a reassuring presence.

With Meslier’s contract expiring in June 2026, Phil Hay says Meslier’s spell at Leeds is “done” and a fresh start is required. Plenty of goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Elland Road if they do go up.

• READ MORE: Richard Keys says who he would have at Leeds – Daniel Farke or Jose Mourinho

Leeds urged to spend £10m on England stopper, 49ers are keen

Strangely, four England international goalkeepers have been linked with Leeds. Aaron Ramsdale has a relegation release clause, while Burnley’s James Trafford is rivalling Dan James for Player of the Season.

Nick Pope could be available if Trafford joins Newcastle and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone could be available after just one season at Wolves. Leeds are supposedly considering a £10m move to land the Wolves ace.

Lee Hendrie told Football League World: “[Johnstone] experienced in the Premier League. Meslier has had a bit of a nightmare. I’m not sure that he would be the fit and I’m pretty sure that he won’t be now.

“Sam Johnstone is more than capable of fulfilling that no.1 role. He’s a full international, he’s got Premier League experience. I feel he would be a really good fit for Leeds, because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”

Is Sam Johnstone much of an improvement on Illan Meslier?

There is no doubt that Johnstone is a solid goalkeeper and one of Premier League quality. One that has done enough to be called-up by England and make his debut, playing for West Brom, Villa and Palace.

Now at Wolves, Johnstone is second choice to Jose Sa. But is he really any kind of an improvement on a Meslier, if the Frenchman is somewhere near back to his best? The stats show they are pretty similar.

If Leeds are to stay up, they need an obviously better goalkeeper than Meslier and the stats show that Meslier and Johnstone have done largely similar things in the Championship and the Premier League.

Perhaps, this is an area of the squad The 49ers will have to admit they are going to need to spend big if they want a proven Premier League goalkeeper – or, they will have to delve into Europe for a new stopper.