Meslier exit claim made live on air in Leeds win v Preston, pundit reacts instantly
Illan Meslier watched from the bench as Leeds United beat Preston North End 2-1 in the Championship on Saturday.
Paul Heckinbottom’s team travelled to Elland Road on 12 April, and the Whites made one change to their starting lineup as they retained top spot in the Championship.
Jayden Bogle scored the winner for the West Yorkshire outfit in the 13th minute as Kaine Kesler-Hayden cancelled Manor Solomon’s early goal.
Meslier has lost his place in the starting lineup after multiple errors in recent weeks, with Karl Darlow stepping up for Daniel Farke, leading to speculation about the French national’s future.
Leeds transfer on cards for Meslier after losing place to Darlow
Meslier may leave the Peacocks in the upcoming transfer window after being left on the bench against Preston, Mark Wilson says.
The talkSPORT commentator can’t see a way back for the shot-stopper at the Whites, expecting his departure next summer.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| Championship | 39 | 27 | 21 |
Courtney Sweetman-Kirk agreed with the assessment but feels sorry for the 25-year-old as it would be a “shame” for him after contributing immensely at the Peacocks over the years.
Speaking on talkSPORT 2 (12 April, 12:49), Wilson said: “Meslier has had his problems. He’s now on the bench for Leeds. It’s tough to see a way back for Meslier. Maybe he will move on to pastures new this summer.”
Sweetman-Kirk responded: “It’s a shame for him because he’s been at the heart for a lot of moments for Leeds. He’s still young. But you’re right in terms of maybe one too many mistakes and can’t see a way back.”
Farke has already made up mind on Meslier at Elland Road after Preston win
Meslier made some baffling errors at Elland Road against Swansea as the Whites dropped two points in the 2-2 draw.
Darlow has since pipped the French goalkeeper in the pecking order, and rightfully so.
Joel Piroe had a stinker against Preston, but the Welsh goalkeeper ensured the West Yorkshire outfit didn’t concede more.
Leeds are aiming for Premier League promotion and can’t have a liability like Meslier in their starting lineup costing valuable points.
Farke’s future arguably depends on returning to the English top flight and the German manager was left with no choice but to drop the 25-year-old shot-stopper after he showcased a lack of confidence.
If and when the Whites win promotion, it would be surprising to see the Frenchman retain his place in between a stick, making an exit likely.
Meslier may not want to be the second choice at the West Yorkshire outfit, and it remains to be seen where the shot-stopper will end up.
With the 25-year-old’s exit, the Peacocks will undoubtedly have to bolster their goalkeeping ranks with quality, as Darlow could potentially struggle in the English top flight.