Jim White names player who may need replacing if Leeds United promoted
Leeds United are on course for promotion to the Premier League, but Jim White still thinks an upgrade is needed in one key position.
Leeds came from behind to beat a direct automatic promotion rival for the second game running on Monday night, producing a second-half comeback to beat Sheffield United with three late goals.
That 3-1 victory at Bramall Lane saw Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe all net within the last 18 minutes of normal time, following an unfortunate own goal from Illan Meslier early in the first half.
With Leeds now five points clear of the second-placed Blades at the Championship summit and having a seven-point buffer to Burnley in third, a return to the Premier League is now firmly in their sights.
Leeds told to replace Illan Meslier in Jim White verdict
Despite Leeds opening up a five-point gap at the top of the Championship and racking up +50 in the goal difference column, Daniel Farke will be under no illusions that his squad needs work in the summer.
Speaking on talkSPORT with Simon Jordan (25 February, 10:09am), Jim White made clear the first position in which Leeds need to upgrade, highlighting Meslier’s multiple errors so far this season.
White said: “Can they go forward to the top flight with a goalkeeper like Illan Meslier? This poor fellow, now and again we’ve seen him buckle.
“His mistakes led directly to goals against Portsmouth, Sunderland, Preston [and] worst of all Hull City, the last-minute equaliser – every single time Meslier’s in goal for them, I think ‘uh oh’.”
Jordan replied: “He’s been in that club for a number of years, and ultimately he gets to keep on being played, doesn’t he – goalkeepers make mistakes.
“Obviously Leeds are comfortable with him to a certain extent, but every position, I suspect, will be discussed about how they’re going to strengthen.”
Meslier upgrade a no-brainer for Leeds United this summer
Meslier’s own goal in the 14th minute at Bramall Lane didn’t come close to some of the other errors he’s made this term – namely against Sunderland and Hull – but still reinforced an unavoidable reality.
A cross to the far post being headed back across the face of goal via the upright by Sheffield United’s Tyrese Campbell didn’t give Meslier enough time to react, as the loose ball bounced in off his forearm.
| Seasons | League Appearances | Clean Sheets |
| 2019/20 | 10 | 7 |
| 2020/21 | 35 | 11 |
| 2021/22 | 38 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | 34 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | 47 | 20 |
| 2024/25 | 34 | 20 |
Although Leeds rallied to eventually overwhelm the Blades in the second half, there’s no denying that in the opening half-hour, Meslier and his backline were rattled as the hosts rained down cross after cross.
Eventually shoring themselves up and providing the foundations for a potentially season-defining victory, it remains clear that if Leeds are to be rock-solid in the top-flight, reinforcements are certainly needed.
Goalkeepers such as Caoimhin Kelleher have already been linked with moves to Elland Road, and if Leeds do seal their Premier League place, fresh blood between the sticks should be the first order of business.