Leeds United could be set to offload out-of-favour goalkeeper Illan Meslier on deadline day, but he has a crucial decision to make about his future.
Meslier has looked destined to leave Elland Road all summer after a string of errors during the team’s promotion season saw him fall down the pecking order behind new number one Lucas Perri.
Meslier was stripped of his shirt number during preseason and was omitted from the squad entirely when the Whites suffered a humiliating League Cup exit at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.
However, manager Daniel Farke’s goalkeeping woes only increased when a mistake by Karl Darlow put the spotlight back on the position.
Now, Meslier has been provided a lifeline in what he’ll hope is the new start he needs.
Photo by Pat Scaasi | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesIllan Meslier to choose between Lorient or Valencia
Reported by The Times, Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could return to his former club Lorient today.
The French club are in talks about a move, however a decision on his future destination is yet to be made. Valencia are also thought to have an interest in the 25-year-old.
Meslier, a former France under-21 international, joined Leeds in 2020 from Lorient and has made more than 200 appearances for the club.
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However, with the arrival of Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon this summer, Meslier has had the number one spot taken from him.
Valencia head coach Carlos Corberan shared an update on Meslier earlier this week, but didn’t give much away.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesIllan Meslier’s fall from grace at Leeds United
Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds United has seen a dramatic fall from grace, with a series of high-profile mistakes leading to his place as the club’s number one being questioned.
Once considered a promising young talent, Meslier’s form has been inconsistent. A number of errors have contributed to his decline, particularly during a challenging 2024-25 season.
During a crucial match against Sunderland, Meslier made a high-profile blunder, fumbling a bouncing ball and handing the opposition a late equaliser that cost Leeds two valuable points.
Another costly error came in a 3-3 draw against Hull, where he was criticised for his part in all three goals conceded, including a particularly poor decision to rush out of position.
These mistakes have dented his confidence and led to him being dropped from the starting XI, with the Frenchman now on the verge of a deadline-day departure