Illan Meslier ‘incredible’ as Joe Hart baffled by Leeds United development
Illan Meslier has lost his place at Leeds United, but Joe Hart feels there’s potential for redemption at Elland Road for the goalkeeper.
The French shot-stopper was a key player for the Whites for most of the season, but Daniel Farke has relied on Karl Darlow in recent matches.
Meslier’s future at Elland Road is up in the air after making several significant errors that have seen the West Yorkshire outfit drop some crucial points.
Now that the Peacocks have confirmed their place in the Premier League for next season, they have a decision to make with the former Lorient ace.
Hart feels Leeds United have top goalkeeper in Meslier
Hart can’t understand the situation Meslier finds himself in at the Whites.
The former Manchester City star is baffled by the 25-year-old’s prospects diminishing at Elland Road, having been impressed by his incredible talent early on.
Hart feels there’s still a quality shot-stopper within the Frenchman, but wonders whether the West Yorkshire outfit have the patience to stick by him.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| Championship | 39 | 27 | 21 |
Speaking on Football Daily (21 April), the ex-England international said: “I just can’t work it out. I remember when [Meslier] first came to the Premier League, I remember him playing against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup for Leeds when he was really young, and I thought, ‘Wow, who’s this goalkeeper?’.
“Baby-faced, but was incredible, great left foot, absolute cat. He just seems to have let some disappointing goals in at big moments this year.
“There’s a top goalkeeper in him. Whether he’s going to get another chance, who knows? I don’t know his contract situation. Everyone will see every day that there’s a top goalkeeper there. But whether they’ve got the patience to let him see what he can do in the Premier League, I don’t know.”
Farke to ask for new goalkeeper transfer soon
Farke’s team will play Premier League football next season after securing at least a top-two finish in the Championship.
Stoke City were demolished at Elland Road on Monday (21 April), and Sheffield United’s defeat against Burnley confirmed the automatic promotion places in the league table.
The West Yorkshire outfit will now have to plan for the upcoming transfer window, with new signings evidently needed to bolster the squad.
Leeds must sign several quality players if they are to maintain their place in the English top flight.
Of the three promoted sides from last season, Southampton and Leicester City’s relegation is official, with Ipswich Town’s prospects also looking bleak.
Meslier’s removal from the starting lineup was the right call by Farke, and it would be surprising to see the German manager count on him again in the future.
While Darlow has admirably deputised at the Whites, they arguably need a better goalkeeper next summer.
With the 49ers Enterprises expected to back the 48-year-old head coach, a new goalkeeper should be one of the priorities.