Leeds United ‘get welcome Aaron Ramsdale boost’ as £25m news confirmed
Ilan Meslier’s form for Leeds United this season has offered further proof that a new goalkeeper is needed going forward.
The Frenchman has produced the odd moment of brilliance and does deserve some praise for his work between the sticks, but the number of high-profile errors almost makes all that redundant.
Meslier was dropped for Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Luton Town at the weekend and it is likely he will remain out of the side unless Karl Darlow makes a howler or two of his own.
Leeds are said to be considering the sale of Meslier already ahead of the summer transfer window, regardless of what division they are in.
Ramsdale contract clause active after Southampton relegation
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale is one of those to have been touted as a possible option for Leeds next season if they are playing in the Premier League.
Leeds are said to be eyeing Ramsdale, who has a £25million release clause that becomes active if Southampton are relegated.
Well, the Saints’ demotion to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday (6 April) with a 3-1 loss at Tottenham, meaning that clause is now active.
| Karl Darlow | v Luton Town |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Saves made | 2 |
| Goals conceded | 1 |
While some Leeds fans will be underwhelmed at the thought of signing Ramsdale, who has just been relegated for a third time, he is an established Premier League keeper and is capable of some magical saves.
It must be remembered that Ramsdale was Arsenal’s first choice not so long ago, and his decision to join Southampton is one that badly backfired.
The Englishman will be desperate to be back in the Premier League next season, and at £25m, that is not a fee out of Leeds’ reach if they do indeed go up.
Leeds’ promotion prospects faltering
All this, of course, depends on Leeds earning promotion back to the Premier League for next season.
And after drawing a third game in a row, with Luton the latest side to deny Leeds, the Whites now have their work cut out to go up.
However, Leeds are still predicted to finish in the top two by Opta’s supercomputer, so fans simply need to remain positive and get behind the side in this final push.
As for Meslier, well it is surely time for both the player and club to accept it’s time to go different ways.