Leeds United exit on the cards for Illan Meslier before clash v Cardiff City – Phil Hay
An exit looks to be on the cards for Illan Meslier as Leeds United prepare to host Cardiff City on the opening day of the season, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist reported on 3 August that the French keeper could be set to depart West Yorkshire with the Championship campaign kicking off this weekend.
But he said unless the 23-year-old secures a move in the next couple of days, he will be competing with new arrival Karl Darlow for a starting spot against Cardiff.
Move on
It seems likely Meslier will move on this summer as the Frenchman wants to continuing playing at a higher level despite his struggles last season.
Unlike several of his former Whites teammates, though, the keeper does not have a release clause included in his contract so it will be harder for him to secure a transfer away from Elland Road.
The club are likely to sell him if a reasonable offer comes in as they will be looking to provide Daniel Farke with as much cash as possible to get the player he wants in.
Meslier had a couple of decent seasons in a Leeds shirt since signing from Lorient in 2020 for a reported £5million, but his form dipped during the last campaign and he eventually lost his place in the starting lineup.
The addition of Darlow from Newcastle suggests the Whites are now looking to go down a more experienced route and he will be expected to start in goal against Cardiff in the season opener.
In other Leeds United news, one exit-linked star has told his agent he would rather stay at Elland Road than join PL club.