Graham Smyth shares Illan Meslier transfer verdict at Leeds United
Graham Smyth believes there is a discussion to be had over Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds United, but suggests that he will remain at Elland Road this summer.
The Frenchman has often divided opinion amongst fans at Elland Road, though he remained Daniel Farke’s first choice throughout the 2023/24 campaign, starting 44 league matches.
While there has been little speculation around the 24-year-old’s future, some fans may be hoping that Leeds start a search for a new goalkeeping option this summer.
Speaking via the Inside Elland Road podcast on Thursday (6 June), Smyth said: “You can probably stick with Meslier. He was the goalkeeper for a team that got the number of points that they did, got a number of clean sheets, and if well-protected, he’ll be fine in the Championship.”
Joe Donnohue argued against that claim, stating: “Over the course of last season, of all the ‘keepers in the Championship, Meslier ranked 42nd for shot-stopping.”
Reacting to the stat, Smyth said: “42nd? In the Championship? I’d like to know where he ranks amongst players who had comparable minutes. There is a feeling with Meslier, or even a fact, that in periods of his career, he has conceded too many goals from too few shots.
“There have been times when he’s been hung out to dry. That was the case in the Premier League because he was in a pretty terrible team with terrible management. It wasn’t always his fault, but he hasn’t always exuded confidence.
“There is a discussion to be had, but of all the priorities for the squad, I don’t think that’s top of the list. I don’t even think it’s top three. Maybe if you can get a bonus, an improvement in that area would be fantastic.”
Will Leeds United look to replace Illan Meslier this summer?
Meslier has been the first-choice shot-stopper at Elland Road ever since arriving from Lorient, initially in 2019 before making the deal permanent in the summer of 2020.
With 166 appearances under his belt for the Whites, it may be extremely difficult to find a replacement with better quality than the Frenchman, though he does come with his faults.
Goalkeepers are always the most scrutinised, mainly due to if they make a mistake, it is usually punished. Outfield players, however, can be saved if a mistake is made, which is why Meslier will stand out more.
Farke will certainly need to see an improvement from his goalkeeper next season, though it is unlikely that the regular figure at Elland Road will be snubbed this summer.
There are plenty of changes set to be made at the club in the summer transfer market, but as Smyth says, Meslier will be low on the list of transfer priorities.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been told to pay an eight-figure sum to sign a player from one of their Championship rivals.
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