Leeds get Illan Meslier exit answer with hours to spare as keeper jets out to Turkey
Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds United has been up in the air over the last few days, despite the transfer window closing.
This was due to other league’s markets remaining open, in particular Turkey. The Frenchman has been garnering quite a lot of interest out of Istanbul, with Besiktas clamouring for a new goalkeeper.
The club came for the Peacocks’ former number one, but Leeds United have rejected Besiktas’ approaches so far.
Additionally, Meslier is also thought to be unattracted by a move to Turkey; however, that has not stopped the Turkish club’s advances.
On Friday morning, Besiktas were still said to be attempting to sign Meslier.
Speculation around Meslier could now finally be over, though, as the Turkish transfer window enters its final hours.
Besiktas look to finally have secured a new goalkeeper
Besiktas’ search for a goalkeeper brought them to Elland Road twice. Of course, Meslier has been the centre of most of that attention, but Lucas Perri was also of interest.
Likewise with Meslier, Leeds refused to budge on their stance on Perri, and that has now forced the 16-time Turkish league champions to move elsewhere.
The talk of any move for either of Leeds’ goalkeepers may now be over with Besiktas seemingly landing a new shot-stopper.
According to journalist Marco Conterio via X on Friday afternoon, their search has brought them to Roma’s Devis Vasquez.
The Colombian is set to fly to Turkey on Friday to complete the deal, with his move being a loan with an option to buy.
The move will surely mean that Leeds can relax, knowing any late attempts to sign Perri or Meslier are surely off the cards now.
Leeds may have missed a trick with Illan Meslier
Meslier’s contract in LS11 ends at the end of the season, so the club may have missed the chance to bring in some extra funds.
Much has already been made of Leeds’ failed move for Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the Peacocks unable to stretch finances to make it happen.
The sale of Meslier would have brought in profit, as they surely could have received more than the £5million they spent on him back in 2020.
Perhaps that could have been useful in the summer, but it looks like Daniel Farke felt his presence in and around the team was important in the final few months.