If Leeds United are going to spend big this summer, then the club will also need to sell players. Not just to make room, but to make sure Daniel Farke’s side comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules.
Leeds are expected to spend north of £100m in Adam Underwood’s first summer as sporting director. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end for the promoted, former head of Leeds recruitment.
Leeds have identified four key priorities with talk of a £150m transfer kitty made available by The 49ers. Basically, a new spine including the addition of a new goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier’s future in doubt.
Farke’s men have already been linked with a number of new goalkeeper signings. Having missed out on Caoimhin Kelleher, Leeds have renewed interest in Nick Pope while Chelsea will sell Djordje Petrovic.
Photo by Pat Scaasi | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhat Leeds United are trying to do with Illan Meslier right now
Farke dropped Meslier for the final seven games of the Championship season after his two dismal errors against Swansea, drawing 2-2. Phil Hay says Meslier is ‘done’ at Leeds, with his contract expiring in 2026.
Six years after initially joining Leeds on loan from Lorient before signing permanently for £5m, Meslier is now set to depart. Especially, because TeamTalk say Leeds have been offering Meslier to potential suitors.
Indeed, Meslier is expected to leave the club and return to France, where the stopper is still well-liked. Long touted to become a France player, Meslier needs to reignite his career and Ligue 1 could do it.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhat Graeme Bailey has told us about Illan Meslier’s future
Described as “magnificent” by Ancy Hinchcliffe, The World Cup in 2026 is a long way away for Meslier, but a return to France in front of his home country may give him the platform he requires to be considered.
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Graeme Bailey recently told LeedsUnited.News a return to France is likely for Meslier: “I’m getting the sense that Meslier might very well move back to France or move elsewhere. It might suit all parties.”
If Leeds want to bring in a fee and garner some profit on Meslier following his bargain £5m signing, then they must cash in this summer. TeamTalk’s report says Leeds have no intention of a new Meslier deal.