Leeds United to seal Illan Meslier January exit as transfer update emerges
Daniel Farke has plenty of key decisions to make ahead of the January transfer window if Leeds United are to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
After 21 matches, the Whites are sitting comfortably in second, just three points behind league leaders Sheffield United, and have a great chance of being promoted automatically.
With that in mind, Farke cannot afford to take any risks when it comes to his squad, which could see a change in players in the starting XI, especially when it comes to defence.
Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have formed a near-perfect partnership in the backline, recently supported by Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram, but it is the goalkeeper who often causes concern.
In 2023, Illan Meslier was branded as a “liability” by journalist David Kent [X] and that trend has continued into 2024 and nearly 2025 as he still has shaky moments in front of the Elland Road crowd.
Leeds United to finally sell Illan Meslier in January?
Despite his woeful form in between the sticks, having the eighth-worst save percentage in the Championship this season, he continues to be linked with a move away.
Now, according to Steve Kay [via TBR Football], Arsenal are weighing up a move for the Frenchman ahead of the January window and are “keeping an eye on” the player.
Stade Rennais are also understood to be interested in the 24-year-old shot-stopper [Jeunesfooteux] and if Leeds are serious about securing promotion, this is a position which needs to be addressed this term.
The Whites’ 2-2 draw with Sunderland was clear evidence that a replacement is desperately needed at Elland Road, having thrown away two points for his team with an absolute howler earlier this season.
It is unclear at this moment in time who could replace him in Yorkshire, but given the club’s ambitions for this campaign, it should be easy to find someone willing to make the switch to the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Red Bull could increase its shares at Elland Road as a new funding decision is made.
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