Leeds United will probably have to sell in order to fund any January transfers that Daniel Farke will have his eye on.

United’s Premier League status down the line may well hinge on how well they approach the January window.

Managing director Robbie Evans’ comments after the summer window shut suggest Leeds don’t have a great deal of room for manoeuvre to spend big amounts, though.

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Illan Meslier subject to strong interest from abroad as Leeds United exile continues

A clanger too far at home to Swansea City back in April signalled the end of Illan Meslier’s time as Leeds’ first choice goalkeeper.

Lucas Perri’s arrival as the new starter meant that Karl Darlow returned to a deputy role, and as a result, pushes Meslier out of Leeds’ settled matchday setup. Meslier has been left out of the squad in every game that Perri and Darlow have been available.

Illan Meslier could be set to leave Leeds United in January as clubs register transfer interest. (Action Images/Craig Brough)

As a result, Voetbal Nieuws and journalist Sacha Tavolieri have both revealed that Meslier is subject to strong interest ahead of January.

Namely, three clubs from Belgium are keen: Club Brugge, Standard Liege, and Anderlecht. Meanwhile, the likes of Lyon, Celtic, and others are also cited.

Leeds United need to improve January transfer spending power

It’s clear from a footballing perspective that an exit for Meslier as soon as possible is what is required. Like Patrick Bamford, it was clear that the Frenchman was not going to be part of the plans moving forward.

Illan Meslier hasn’t played a minute of football for Leeds United since April. (Action Images via Reuters/John Clifton)

Sitting out of Leeds’ matchday squad every week is going to do his career no favours, and with multiple clubs claimed to be keen, it makes sense that we’d shift him on permanently.

Out of contract in the summer of 2026, Meslier’s book value is virtually at zero, meaning any fee can be registered as profit on PSR terms. Therefore, it would enhance Leeds’ ability to spend more in the new year.

Leeds have to be careful, of course, about which players would be worth selling in order to boost spending. Letting high-value assets such as Pascal Struijk or Willy Gnonto (for example) leave mid-season would be massively detrimental.

Explained: How Illan Meslier could help boost Leeds United’s January budget

But, a player who is getting zero minutes, has vast top-flight experience relative to his age, and has possible offers waiting, has to be something we consider.

Let’s say Leeds get a £3million fee up front for Meslier. That would be booked for 25/25, therefore covering the first part of a player’s amortised transfer fee.

That’s explained here in a hypothetical scenario:

  • Leeds sell Meslier for £3million.
  • That fee is accounted for totally in 25/26’s accounts, adding £3million to what can be spent before July.
  • Leeds respond by spending on a new right-winger.
  • That right-winger may cost £20million, for example, signed on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
  • This cost is then spread across the entirety of his contract.
  • Leeds’ spending in 25/26 would account for that first half-year of his contract, around £2.2million.

It’s a very basic representation of player contracts, amortisation and PSR. However, it’s simple way to see how Meslier could boost what Leeds are capable of spending.

Any fringe player sales from hereon will surely be considered, knowing how close to the threshold we currently are.

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