Illan Meslier exit decision made after latest Leeds United announcement
Illan Meslier may not be on his way out of Leeds after all.
Leeds face Man City on Saturday, knowing that it could easily be Daniel Farke’s last game in charge of the Whites.
A narrow defeat may keep him in his job, but a heavy loss would surely see the 49ers pull the trigger on the German, who has been walking on the very edge of thin ice for the majority of the current campaign.
Farke has announced his starting 11 for the clash with Man City with several changes, one of which makes it seem clear what the future holds for Meslier.
Leeds seem unlikely to sell Illan Meslier in January
Lucas Perri has sparked concern at Leeds already this season, though he has remained as their number one after returning from injury.
Karl Darlow has been his usual deputy, leaving no space in the squad for Meslier, though the clash with Man City has changed that.
Meslier has replaced Darlow on the bench at the Etihad, with no indication of an injury for the Wales international, meaning it could easily be a tactical decision.
Meslier has been linked with an exit for Leeds since the summer, and it made sense for him to be sold in January to avoid losing him on a free in the summer.
However, it seems as though it may be Darlow that is sold instead of the Frenchman, which would be a strange decision from the Whites.
Does Illan Meslier deserve another chance at Leeds?
It was clear that the Whites needed to upgrade their goalkeeper in the Premier League, but with Perri, it’s up for debate as to whether they actually have.
Via FotMob, the Brazilian has a woeful 50 per cent save percentage, with -1.6 goals prevented in the seven appearances he has made.
Meslier faced a lot of scrutiny last season, and rightfully so, though his save percentage in the Championship was up at 70.7 per cent, and he, too, had conceded more goals than expected.
Neither seem to be up to the standard required at this level, but at the current moment, Meslier may actually be the better option.
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