Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Illan Meslier exit more likely than ever as Leeds take new transfer steps

Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Illan Meslier stayed at Leeds this summer despite rampant exit speculation.

Meslier lost his Leeds starting position to Karl Darlow towards the end of the Championship-winning campaign last season.

Leeds then brought in Lucas Perri in the transfer market, but that still did not facilitate a departure for the French goalkeeper.

However, Daniel Farke may be looking to offload the 25-year-old when the market reopens after new developments at Elland Road.

Lucas Perri playing for Leeds
Perri was brought in to take the number one spot. (Credit: Imago)

Leeds take steps for new goalkeeper signing

Leeds' interest in Lisandru Olmeta has became public knowledge, which suggests that think Meslier will be depart in the winter window.

A report from L'Equipe on 16 October claimed that the Whites have made contact with the 20-year-old representatives about a switch to LS11.

Given that Perri and Darlow are also in the squad, surely if they sign the LOSC Lille youngster, who is currently on loan at SC Bastia, it will mean the end for the former Lorient ace.

Illan Meslier's stats in the Championship for Leeds United last season.
Meslier's stats in the league last season. (Credit: Imago)

Illan Meslier has no future at Leeds

It makes sense that the Peacocks are targeting a young goalkeeper, and Olmeta is highly rated after his exploits for France at the Under-20 World Cup.

  • Olmeta played six matches for France at the tournament
  • He conceded just three goals in the competition
  • The young stopper kept two clean sheets in those matches

Meslier has no future in Yorkshire, that is evident, as he has not featured at all for Farke's side this season since their promotion to the top-flight.

He was named on the bench for the last four league matches, but that was only because Perri has been out injured.

Once the Brazilian stopper returns, he will be relegated to third-choice once again, and his fellow Frenchman comes through the door, it will surely see him exit.

Whites supporters will hope that they can progress with a deal for Olmeta, and say goodbye to Meslier, after he became very error-prone and lost his place in a damning fall from grace afterwards.

The potential arrival of the Lille ace will facilitate a transfer for the goalkeeper, who has gone from hero to zero in recent months.

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