Illan Meslier exit prediction made amid Leeds United promotion claim
Carlton Palmer doesn’t see Illan Meslier departing Leeds United in January despite several rumours linking him with an Elland Road exit.
Noise over a potential exit for the Frenchman has been amplified recently with Manchester United thought to be interested in signing the keeper (Alan Nixon).
Meslier has struggled for form this season although Palmer believes that he is integral to their hopes of achieving promotion back to the Premier League.
“A lot will depend on whether Leeds United get back to the Premier League,” explained Palmer via Football League World (26 December). “I can’t see Leeds selling him in the January transfer window, certainly not with the way they’re going, looking to get automatic promotion.
“Illan has already said that he’s happy, he’s settled at Leeds United, and he’s been outstanding for them, so I can’t see Illan going to even the likes of Manchester United or Arsenal, who are keeping tabs on the situation and he’s not going to go and sit on the bench for one of those clubs when he’s been a regular for Leeds United.
“If Leeds get promoted then I think Illan will be offered a new contract and they’ll be in the Premier League, but I cannot see them selling him in the January transfer window.”
Has Illan Meslier earned a new contract at Leeds United?
Palmer’s comments certainly suggest that he feels he has done enough to warrant a new deal at Elland Road and it’s very hard to agree.
Meslier has had good moments this season but the negatives have massively outweighed them and he has singlehandedly cost the Whites points on several occasions with a series of howlers between the sticks.
His performances have undoubtedly led to a lack of confidence in those in front of him and it’s hard to make a case for Leeds to keep him, nevermind to reward him with a new contract.
Given how tightly contested the top of the Championship is, a goalkeeper capable of maintaining results can be essential and he simply doesn’t have the necessary attributes to do that and, in turn, it could cost Leeds promotion.
If a respectable offer is received in January, a sale would make sense for all parties and it could boost their promotion hopes tenfold.
In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged in the Whites’ push to sign one EFL star.
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