Ruthless former Leeds United star tells the 49ers they have to get rid of Illan Meslier

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The noises coming out of Leeds United remains the same, the January transfer window will be a quiet one for Daniel Farke’s side despite the need for a few new additions.

Ahead of the window, Daniel Farke said he did not envisage a busy January window for Leeds. But since then, reports say Leeds are actually eyeing four new signings to bolster their push to secure promotion.

A centre-back is certainly an area that requires improvement, highlighted by Ethan Ampadu moving back into defence on Saturday at Hull. Leeds lost the skipper’s tenacity in midfield, contributing to the result.

A new full-back given Sam Byram and Junior Firpo’s injury issues, a midfielder to compete with Brenden Aaronson at no.10 and another striker are also being eyed with Joe Gelhardt expected to leave Leeds.

But former Leeds academy product Simon Johnson believes The 49ers need to bring in another crucial signing this month, and it is a replacement for an under-fire member of Farke’s starting XI.

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Simon Johnson urges Leeds to replace Illan Meslier in January

Leeds are actually open to selling Meslier after Saturday’s 3-3 draw, in which Meslier was at fault for at least two of Hull’s goals. Not for the first time this season, Meslier has directly cost Leeds crucial points.

Preston and Sunderland away also saw Meslier cost Leeds wins, the Whites drawing both games instead. Johnson, who came through the Thorp Arch academy at the start of the century, wants a change.

He said on X: “I’ve tried my best to not show any negativity towards Mes [Meslier]. However, this is unforgivable at the level.

“When you have a group that are grafting in front of you and you’re continually making blunders, it’s solid destroying. My old man was “FUMING”! Time for change.”

The stats say Illan Meslier is the league’s 18th-best goalkeeper

The aim at Leeds this season is clear. Promotion, or Farke gets the axe and Leeds will not want to mess around with the play-offs having lost at Wembley last season, and if they are to do that they need better.

Burnley have James Trafford, Sheffield United’s new goalkeeper Michael Cooper is shining and Anthony Patterson continues to be linked with some of England’s biggest clubs while he impresses at Sunderland.

Meanwhile, the stats show Meslier is currently performing as the Championship’s 18th-best goalkeeper in terms of save percentage. Jon Newsome doesn’t think Meslier will be sold, but perhaps, Leeds need to.