(Credit: Imago)
Thu 24 July 2025 21:10, UK
Leeds United have finally found their new goalkeeper, with Lucas Perri set to join from Lyon.
A deal has been agreed, and Perri is set to fly in to sign his contract and complete his medical as he becomes the new number one at Elland Road.
Signing a goalkeeper was a priority for Leeds this summer, and after links with several options, including Nick Pope, the Whites decided to pursue Perri.
Illan Meslier needed replacing after a poor campaign last season saw him dropped, and Perri’s arrival could now speed up his exit.
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier is set to leave (Credit: Imago)Meslier set to leave after Perri arrival
It is clear that Meslier is not the goalkeeper Leeds need to survive in the Premier League, but despite his high-profile errors last season, there could be some interest in him.
The 25-year-old has a lot of experience under his belt, with over 200 appearances for Leeds over the years, and a fresh start could be best for him to regain his form.
Meslier’s record last season
Leicester City have now been linked with Meslier, as Mads Hermansen could be set to return to the Premier League after impressing last season.
Manchester United could also be a shock destination if the goalkeeper remains in the league, as they were said to be interested in Meslier in recent months as cover and a potential long-term option.
Jose Mourinho could bring Meslier to Fenerbahce, as the Turkish giants reportedly want to replace Dominik Livakovic in goal, and they could offer Leeds a strong financial package.
That would not be welcomed by anyone around Elland Road, though.
Perri’s stats in the league last season. (Credit: Imago)Meslier exit was inevitable
Meslier hit a rough patch of form last season, which proved so problematic that he was dropped for veteran Karl Darlow during the run-in.
Despite Leeds possessing one of the best defences in the Championship, Meslier was single-handedly costing his side points, and this very nearly cost the Whites automatic promotion before he was unceremoniously taken out of the firing line.
Leeds had persisted with Meslier for some time as they believed in his long-term potential, but they are now prepared to part ways with their long-serving goalkeeper, and this is certainly the right decision now, regardless of how he ends up developing.
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