With eight signings through the door and more expected, not only will Leeds United need to make room in Daniel Farke’s squad before the deadline – but to save space on the wage bill.
Leeds now have five strikers on the books and while Harry Gray is still a youngster and Patrick Bamford is still at Elland Road, clearly one or two of the five will have to consider an exit before the summer deadline.
The same goes for Leeds’ options in goal. The addition of Lucas Perri means Leeds have five goalkeepers if Rory Mahady is included and that means Illan Meslier and possibly even Karl Darlow could decide to go.
Darlow will want first-team football after becoming Wales’ no.1, while Phil Hay has said Meslier is ‘done’ at Elland Road. The Frenchman was not even taken to Dublin and Perri has taken Meslier’s no.1 shirt.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesIllan Meslier will have to accept a pay cut to join old side
It emerged late on Saturday night that Meslier could return to boyhood club Lorient. The Ligue 1 side are aiming to avoid relegation in Ligue 1 this season and are keen on luring Meslier back at Stade du Mustoir.
It comes after LeedsUnited.News were informed that PSG have considered Meslier as back-up, while Lille could look at Meslier after selling Lucas Chevalier to PSG. Cesc Fabregas’ Como are also said to be keen.
But as per Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Lorient are in active talks with Leeds and a return to Meslier’s old club is a real possibility. Top Mercato say Meslier will have to take a pay cut on his £30k-a-week deal.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesCurrently, Illan Meslier would be Lorient’s top earner
Ligue 2 champions Lorient are trying to be smart with their money this summer, as they find themselves in the same position as Leeds. First place last season, simply trying to survive in the top tier this time.
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Currently, Lorient’s top earner is Junior Kroupi, who earns a total of £26,000 a week. But below him, the wages drop considerably. The next-best wage is £17,000 and that says a lot about Lorient’s cash flow.
If Meslier is to join Lorient, then a decent wage cut would be required but there is every chance he would still be Lorient’s top earner if he was to return to his boyhood club and help them to achieve survival.