49ers cannot be held to ransom as Leeds United player demands shared
The 49ers Enterprises may have to consider selling Illan Meslier next summer as details on his new contract demands emerge at Leeds United.
The 24-year-old is contracted at Elland Road until the summer of 2026, but it appears that the goalkeeper is planning for life after Leeds if they cannot secure promotion to the Premier League this season.
Meslier wants to sign a brand new deal with the Whites, according to Ben Jacobs [7 September], one that includes an exit clause in case Daniel Farke’s side are stuck in the Championship for a third season.
The French shot-stopper has been an integral part of the German’s squad since his appointment last summer, but the 49ers must not be held to ransom by one of their own players.
He is contracted with Leeds until 2026. If the worst was to happen, and the Whites missed out on promotion once again, his only realistic way out is being sold, which doesn’t look likely unless he refuses to play.
Leeds United could end up selling Illan Meslier after release clause update
The consensus surrounding Meslier’s time at Elland Road is incredibly mixed after 170 appearances since signing a permanent deal in the summer of 2020.
He was a star under Marcelo Bielsa but experienced a new low when he was dropped by Sam Allardyce, with Leeds eventually being relegated from the Premier League that season.
Meslier was key for the Whites last season, keeping 18 clean sheets in 44 Championship starts, but that did not come without several mistakes along the way.
It would be incredibly difficult to find someone to replace the Frenchman, even with Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns as replacements, but it could be time to move him on if his thoughts are not solely on the club.
In other Leeds United news, an “alarmed” Leeds sent a text to one of their players during a match to check on him.
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