Daniel Feliciano

Wed 31 May 2023 15:10, UK

Leeds United will “seriously consider” selling Illan Meslier this summer with a “big fee” possible to bring in much-needed cash.

Meslier has made 126 appearances for the Whites since joining from Lorient, but lost his place in the side under Sam Allardyce for the final four games of the season after a shocking run of form helped the club be relegated.

And now according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the club could look to cash in on the 23-year-old with suitors expected and a big fee expected because of his contract that runs until 2026.

“Like Koch, there have already been exit noises,” they wrote (31 May).

“He has big ambitions, he has big potential and he’s very young.

“Expect suitors and expect Leeds to seriously consider selling him to bring in necessary transfer cash. Expect him to depart, in all likelihood. A big fee is still possible given his 2026 contract.”

Time is right

Meslier has been an excellent servant for Leeds since joining the club four seasons ago, but the most recent season saw a big change in his relationship and performances.

The Frenchman is sure to become a regular in the senior national team sooner rather than later following the retirements of Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda, but he has to be playing regularly to do that.

After losing his place in the side it’s possible that he may need to move elsewhere to get that, but with his contract running until 2026 there is good space for a big fee to help the team financially over the summer.

It seems as though the time is right for Leeds and Meslier to part ways now. Joel Robles is out of contract but could earn a new deal after becoming first-choice at the end of last season, but if he were to leave the club would need a new number one.

With the cash from a Meslier sale they can reinvest that to bring in someone else and let him go, while having cash left over.

In other Leeds news, Simon Jordan has singled out one “Diabolical” ace after relegation was confirmed.