Illan Meslier set for agony beyond Leeds United after awful scenes away from first team
Illan Meslier could struggle to find himself a new club after his inevitable exit from Leeds United in a couple of months.
The goalkeeper’s time at Elland Road looks to be coming to an end, and all parties will have been disappointed at the fall-through of his winter exit.
Meslier was close to joining Besiktas in the closing stages of the winter transfer market, but the Turkish club pulled the plug on a deal late on.
The Frenchman is not in Daniel Farke‘s plans, with Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow both clearly ahead of him in the German’s pecking order.
The Whites now have to pay Meslier‘s wages until the end of the season, where, even then, the keeper could find it hard to find a new employer as a free agent.
Illan Meslier’s Leeds U21s showing will harm prospect of new club
Meslier was part of Leeds’ 2024-25 promotion-winning season, but Farke didn’t really have anyone else he could play in between the sticks.
The Whites acted quickly to sign Perri as the 25-year-old’s replacement in the summer, as all signs were pointing to the latter’s departure in recent weeks.
But after a deal with Besiktas fell through, Meslier was placed in Leeds‘ under-21s for game time.
- Meslier hasn’t played a single minute in the Premier League this season
- Farke has yet to give Meslier a chance in cup competitions, either
The former Lorient man played in the U21s’ 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League 2 on Saturday, and it’s fair to say he didn’t cover himself in glory with his performance.
Particularly for Man City’s first goal, as Christian McFarlane somehow managed to squeeze it past Meslier from an almost impossible angle.
Now, the criticised shot-stopper faces a major task of finding a club who are willing to give him a chance, despite his poor form over a long period.
49ers cannot be blamed for failed Meslier exit; here’s why
Meslier is out of contract in a couple of months, and January proved to be the last chance for the Whites to recoup a transfer fee for him.
The keeper will be able to join a new team for free upon the expiry of his deal at LS11, which may frustrate Leeds, considering they were close to getting him off the books for some money not long ago.
The 49ers couldn’t exactly force the Frenchman out the door, and it’s clear to see why some sides may have been hesitant to sign him.
There could still be clubs lurking in the background that are keeping tabs on Meslier, but he really needs to start performing well for the U21s, if that’s where he will stay for the foreseeable.
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