(Credit: Hasan Karim/Imago)

Illan Meslier approach made to exit Leeds in late summer deal

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

17 Aug 2025, 1:16 am

Illan Meslier’s time at Leeds United looks all but over.

The goalkeeper has fallen down the pecking order at the Yorkshire club after a string of inconsistent performances.

Now, the addition of Lucas Perri at Leeds has sealed the goalkeeper’s fate, with it being clear that the Brazilian will be the Peacocks number one this season.

A departure is expected this summer, and now Meslier may be a step closer to sealing an exit.

Meslier was eventually dropped from Leeds' starting XI last season (Credit: Imago)

FC Lorient make contact for Meslier

It was reported earlier this week that Leeds only want around £5-£6million for Meslier this summer.

Therefore, many clubs may look to take a gamble on the Frenchman, hoping that he may return to form.

Leicester City have been linked to Meslier earlier this window, but now another club appears to have joined the race.

According to Sacha Tavolieri via X on 16 August, FC Lorient are interested in re-signing their former keeper.

Meslier made 30 first-team appearances during his time at FC Lorient

The 25-year-old played for the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side before his move to the Peacocks, progressing through their academy and into the first team.

Now, Lorient have made contact with Leeds to inquire about the possible conditions of a transfer.

Read more: Dominic Calvert-Lewin now has chance to make Premier League history in Leeds vs Everton

🟡🇫🇷EXCL– Illan Meslier has an interest of FC Lorient!

📉 Dropped down the keeper pecking order at Leeds United, Frenchman could return to his boyhood club.

🟠🐟Lorient have made contact with #LUFC to inquire about the possible conditions of a transfer.

⏳Wait&See… #mercato… pic.twitter.com/nDkMXfptuJ
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 16, 2025

Leeds are making one massive error with Meslier sale

While Daniel Farke is right to seek the sale of Meslier, only wanting to sell him for £6m is a massive error.

Last season, the goalkeeper had similar stats to Perri, and is younger than his Brazilian counterpart.

On top of this, Meslier still has significant potential and could go on to be a top player if he manages to turn his form around.

Stats from the 2024/25 campaign	Illan Meslier	Lucas Perri
Save percentage	70.7%	72.5%
Clean sheets	21	10
Goals prevented	-2.73	6.05
Passing accuracy	76.9%	73.7%
Goals conceded	27	44
Errors leading to goals	3	1

Perri is only slightly better than Meslier in multiple stats

Realistically, Leeds should be getting a minimum of £10m plus a significant sell-on fee to part with the Frenchman.

Hopefully, Farke realises the error of his ways and looks to get a decent fee for his former number one.

Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.

Illan Meslier