Illan Meslier in line for surprise Leeds United stay despite Karl Darlow arrival after Daniel Farke transfer verdict
Illan Meslier looks to be set for an unexpected stay at Leeds United this year after Daniel Farke’s verdict on the remainder of the transfer window.
The French keeper lost his place to Joel Robles for the final four games of last season under Sam Allardyce after a miserable run of form, but had been the number one throughout the past three campaigns otherwise.
The 23-year-old was was linked to a possible transfer exit this summer even if the Whites had stayed in the Premier League, so when they were relegated on the final day it was widely expected that he would be one of the key players snapped up.
And Karl Darlow became only the second Leeds United signing of the summer from Newcastle, apparently take over once that happened.
But with under four weeks left of the transfer window Meslier is still at the club, and was named in the starting XI by Farke for his first game in charge against Cardiff City on Sunday (6 August).
There wasn’t a huge amount he could do about the two goals conceded in the draw as the defence characteristically provided little in the way of protection until the second half.
But while star midfielder Tyler Adams now looks set to be bought by Chelsea prior to the deadline and exit rumblings continue around the likes of Willy Gnonto, there hasn’t been the same with the keeper.
Asked about his hopes for the final weeks of the transfer window after the game on Sunday Farke cited only the goalkeeping position as one he was happy with.
He said, as per the Yorkshire Evening Post (6 August): “I think in the goalkeeper position we are fine, but in all other areas you would wish for even a bit more and a bit more quality and more options and a bit more depth in the squad.”
Right now he is right about the landscape in goal, but the same could certainly be said of wingers when he has Willy Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Dan James, Georginio Rutter and Ian Poveda in the squad, but at least four have been linked with moves.
So while giving Meslier the start over new signing Darlow, 32, might have been a clue that the younger of the two was in line to be here for more than a few more weeks, to come out and suggest the pairing represented the only settled position in the squad as good as confirmed it.
It isn’t possible for the German to say 100% that anyone at Elland Road will still be at the club come 2 September given the all have their price if someone is willing to pay it, but Farke went as close to indicating that he expects both keepers to remain as he could in the circumstances.
Whether Darlow will be satisfied with that is open to question, and should Meslier make a return to form over the first half of the season he will likely be a target again in January, but for now it looks like a player who was tipped to be one of the first signed after relegation might not be going anywhere.
In other Leeds United news, a cheap Premier League wants out and the Whites are battling to pick him up.