Phil Hay shares what Leeds United expect to do with Illan Meslier amid release clause update
Leeds United are still expected to sell goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer even though he does not have a release clause, according to Phil Hay.
Writing in the Athletic, Hay said that Frenchman Meslier does not have an escape route written into his contract like several of his other team-mates following relegation from the Premier League.
However, Meslier was not at his best last season and Leeds have been linked to other goalkeepers, with Alexander Nubel, Karl Darlow, and Freddie Woodman all having been tipped as potential options.
Explaining how forward Wilfried Gnonto also does not have a clause in his deal, Hay explained: “The same is true of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who joined from Lorient for £5million in 2020 after a season-long loan went well.
“Meslier’s existing deal, a five-year agreement signed in 2021, is also believed to be free of a release clause, though he is someone Leeds expect to sell in this window.
“While Gnonto is wanted for the forthcoming Championship term, Leeds are of the view that a change of scene might be good for Meslier after two tough seasons playing behind their leaky defence.
“There is scope to make a healthy profit on him, despite the recent scrutiny of his form and development.”
Time to cash in
There was much promise when Illan Meslier first signed on at Elland Road and at just 23 years old there is plenty of time for him to still develop into a top-class goalkeeper.
But there is no escaping the fact that Meslier was part of a risible defence last season, one which shipped a whopping 78 top-flight goals – the most in the Premier League.
Relegation for Leeds has to be a reset, and already the likes of Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen, and Brendon Aaaronsen have exited on loan this transfer window.
For Meslier, it might be the right time for him to move on and start afresh and find a home where he can rebuild his form and confidence.
He could, of course, try and do that at Leeds, but it does feel like for both sides a parting of the ways is necessary. Leeds could make a decent profit on him, while Meslier has a chance to rebuild and go again.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been assessing Glen Kamara with a transfer from Rangers on the cards.