Illan Meslier exit moves step closer at Leeds United in ‘significant’ post-window update
Illan Meslier’s career at Leeds United looks completely finished.
After being Daniel Farke’s number one shot-stopper for the 2024-25 season, he has quickly been demoted to third in the pecking order.
Lucas Perri’s arrival in the summer, coupled with Karl Darlow’s rise in the goalkeeping ranks, has left him sidelined for the entirety of this campaign, and it’s clear that Farke doesn’t trust him anymore.
Meslier has been linked with a move to Besiktas, and that deal could still happen, despite the English transfer window being closed.
And another new update has now emerged on Meslier’s Elland Road future.
Illan Meslier getting closer to leaving Leeds for Besiktas
Meslier started three consecutive seasons as Leeds’ goalkeeper in the Premier League, but it’s clear that he isn’t good enough to do so this season.
Although clubs in England aren’t allowed to sign anymore players after the deadline passed on 2 February, he could still leave Leeds.
The Turkish transfer window is open until Friday, and there is hope for the 25-year-old to earn a fresh start elsewhere.
Journalist Onur Tasicoglu reported for Turkish media outlet Beyaz Futbol on Tuesday that Besiktas are closing in on signing the French goalkeeper.
“Besiktas has made significant progress in the transfer of Leeds United’s goalkeeper Illan Meslier,” he posted.
| Stat | Meslier |
| Appearances | 107 |
| Goals conceded | 198 |
| Clean sheets | 21 |
| Saves made | 377 |
Besiktas had already made an enquiry to Leeds for Meslier, and it is understood that his agent has been in talks with the Super Lig side over a potential move.
The deal now looks to be accelerating, and the Whites will be praying that they can get him off their books.
Although Leeds won the Championship last season, Meslier made several high-profile mistakes, and it was only a matter of time before Farke would lose his patience with him.
Now that he has the opportunity to leave Elland Road, it seems certain that he will grasp it with both hands and join the Turkish giants.
Leeds’ goalkeeper situation has become a pressing issue
Perri has been underwhelming this season, and Farke dropped him in favour of Darlow after his mistake in the 4-3 loss to Newcastle on 7 January.
However, the Wales international punched the ball into his own net during Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Arsenal.
Including Alex Cairns, the Whites have four senior goalkeepers, and fans aren’t convinced that any of them are good enough to play in the top flight.
Selling Meslier would certainly solve one issue, although there are still question marks over the ability of both Perri and Darlow.
If the situation worsens, then there is no doubt that Leeds will look to sign another shot-stopper in the summer transfer window.
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