Illan Meslier lined up for Leeds exit as financial update on potential deal emerges
Illan Meslier could finally be about to leave Leeds United after months of speculation surrounding his future.
The goalkeeper was dropped by Daniel Farke at a crucial stage of the Whites’ title-winning campaign in the Championship last time out, and there has seemingly been no way back for him since.
Meslier’s departure from Leeds has felt like an inevitability since the start of the summer, but we are now just days away from the transfer deadline, and he is still part of the squad at Elland Road.
The Premier League returnees have added ten new faces to their ranks so far this summer, but their focus in the coming days could be on trying to get players out of the door.
Lorient have financial concerns about Illan Meslier return
Leeds have received interest in Meslier from Lorient in the last few weeks, with the French side looking to reunite with their former shot stopper.
The Whites are keen to try and facilitate an exit for the out-of-favour star before the imminent cut-off, with the arrival of Lucas Perri putting an end to any hopes of a return to the fold for Meslier.
Lorient continue to show an interest in re-signing the 25-year-old, and are understood to have placed him among a three-man goalkeeping shortlist, according to Saturday’s print edition of Ouest France.
However, it is understood that, at the moment, the financial details surrounding a deal with Leeds are complicated for the Ligue 1 outfit.
It is believed that Lorient’s project could suit Meslier at this stage of his career, but it remains to be seen whether the two parties can reach an agreement.
Leeds need to reduce Illan Meslier demands
Meslier has been scapegoated at Leeds for his lack of consistency in recent years, and it may be that they have to lower their financial demands in order to help him find a new club.
| Stats | Total | League Rank |
| Clean Sheets | 21 | =2nd |
| Save Percentage | 70.7% | 6th |
| Saves per 90 | 1.7 | 22nd |
| Goals Prevented | -2.7 | 17th |
| Goals Conceded per 90 | 0.7 | 2nd |
They are understandably hoping to recoup as much of their initial £5million outlay as possible.
However, given the urgency that has been brought about by the imminent deadline, they should accept whatever they can get for the gloveman.
Farke has ensured that there is no way back for him in West Yorkshire, so there is little point in having him around and eating up a wage just to potentially play a few cup games.
Leeds need to work with Lorient to ensure that a deal can be reached that suits all parties, or they will be left to shoulder the burden of Meslier’s contract.
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