Manager now expecting new signings a week after confirming Leeds United star is on his ‘list’

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Illan Meslier looks poised to leave Leeds United in the final days of the transfer window, having been completely exiled by manager Daniel Farke.

It looks as though the end is nigh for Illan Meslier at Leeds United. The Frenchman endured a rather disastrous 2024-25 season in the Championship and has now lost his place in the side.

Despite keeping 21 clean sheets and 39 appearances in the league last season, Meslier made too many individual errors, oftentimes leading to goals. And the Frenchman’s poor form eventually led to Daniel Farke replacing him with Karl Darlow, who brought a huge air of calm to the Leeds side in the latter games of last season.

Then this summer, Meslier has been replaced by Lucas Perri. Leeds United signed Perri from Lyon in a deal worth around £15 million earlier in the summer, but so far Leeds fans have given mixed verdicts on Perri, who conceded five in the last game against Arsenal.

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Lorient expecting more signings amid links to Illan Meslier at Leeds United

Nonetheless, it looks as though Meslier will still leave Leeds United this summer, and one potential avenue for the Frenchman is Lorient. Leeds United signed Meslier from Ligue 1 club Lorient back in 2020, paying around £5m for the now 25-year-old goalkeeper.

Speaking earlier this month, Lorient boss Olivier Pantaloni said Meslier was on his transfer wish list. He said of the Leeds goalkeeper: “He’s on the list. It would be a huge opportunity, but the case isn’t straightforward.”

And now a new update has emerged from French outlet Le Telegramme, which reveals that Pantaloni is still ‘expecting three or four reinforcements’ before the transfer window shuts on September 1st.

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Who else could Illan Meslier join before September 1st?

Lorient are not the first club to be linked with Meslier this summer. In fact, previous reports have revealed how PSG have looked at a potential move for Meslier as a backup option for this season.

Meanwhile, another Ligue 1 side in Lille have been linked with a move for Meslier, whilst Cesc Fabregas’ Como have also been linked, though they have since moved in another direction. And it has been reported that Meslier would have to take a pay cut to join Lorient this summer.

The Frenchman is still under contract at Elland Road until 2026, and so if Meslier isn’t keen on taking a pay cut, however hefty it might be, he can simply stay at Leeds United and act as third-choice goalkeeper, potentially featuring on the bench when Leeds play Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.

But expect Meslier to be keen to play some football and get his career back on track after a difficult last season. The transfer window is slowly coming to an end though, and time is running out for Lorient or any other team to sign the Leeds man.