Illan Meslier

https://www.leedsunited.news/transf...I2OWQ0&state=b777e937610d430bb0de3bf50858f8c7



Illan Meslier was Leeds United’s undisputed No.1 going into 2025. But football can change quickly and the Frenchman now finds himself third choice, in the final year of his Elland Road contract.

Initially joining Leeds back in 2019 under Marcelo Bielsa, Meslier came in for Kiko Casilla towards the end of Leeds’ promotion campaign. Much like Karl Darlow did last season, replacing the out-of-form Meslier.




He signed permanently in 2020 and remained Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper for the next five years, apart from Sam Allardyce’s four-game stint. But mistakes during the 2024-25 season have seen him demoted.

The 3-3 draw against Hull in January, the Sunderland bobble, the 2-2 draw with Swansea and many more saw Daniel Farke finally cave in and drop Meslier. That stance has remained, and clubs are queuing up.



The Frenchman now finds himself in the final year of his deal, only making the Leeds bench currently due to Lucas Perri’s injury. Perri is expected to be fit for Leeds’ next game, when the Whites go to Burnley



Perri is fit, it is unclear if the Brazilian will come in or Darlow will retain his place. One thing is for sure: Meslier won’t be on the bench if both Darlow and Perri are available come Saturday afternoon.

LeedsUnited.News insider Graeme Bailey reports that Celtic are among the clubs monitoring Meslier ahead of the January window. Kasper Schmeichel remains no.1 at Parkhead, but he turns 39 in December.



Bailey told LeedsUnited.News: “Form is temporary, class is permanent. Meslier is a very good goalkeeper. If Celtic signed Illan Meslier, that would be an upgrade. I have no shadow of a doubt about that.



Schmeichel brings other things like experience and masters the backline. So he does add other things as well. Meslier would be very expensive for them, but Celtic have the lure of Champions League football.

“Leeds would rather the sale, but you know, it is what it is. There’s interest, as in they’re aware of him and looking at him, aware of his situation,” Bailey continued, confirming that Celtic are aware of Meslier.



With Meslier out of the picture, the Frenchman was heavily linked with several clubs in the summer. The likes of PSG, Lille and Como are all said to have taken a look at the former France U21 international.

On deadline day though, it was a two-horse race to land Meslier’s signature. Carlos Corberan’s Valencia or Meslier’s boyhood club, Lorient. However, neither managed to do a deal in time before the deadline.

Whether Valencia, Lorient or any of the aforementioned clubs retain an interest, remains to be seen. But Celtic could make a move for Meslier in January, even on a pre-contract deal given Meslier’s situation.

 

Seemed to be very highly rated early doors but turned into a liability thereafter. Still quite young for a keeper but if the price is reasonable it might be worth the gamble.

 

I'd take him every day of the week.

 

Only 25 and would, normally, be an interesting and potentially great signing.

But it wouldn't overly make great sense with Sinisalo at the club and surely lined up for the number one spot next season.

I'm absolutely all for competition, but goalkeeper isn't the position you have the sort of competition you actively rotate like you would a striker.

I can't see us being able to keep both this lad and Sinisalo happy next season if they was the two main keepers.
It would have to be one or the other surely?


Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk

 

Mate is a Leeds fan. Hates him.

 

No thanks. I've 100% seen this guy make some howlers. Don't ask me what games but I know he has in games or highlights I've watched, proper big time ones..

 

He’s honking. There’s a reason he slipped to 3rd choice.

 

Another player who was meant to be the next big thing. Another FM gem who turned brilliant but he’s just went downhill too.

 

* that. * couldn't keep wains out a close

 

Confidence issues. He had three seasons in the PL with a honking defence and was mismanaged and poorly coached throughout.

He's only 25 and has his best years ahead of him especially if he can find form again.

 

Watched him a good few times and it's a hard pass for me tbh.

 

Sinisalo deserves his chance to be number 1 next year.

 

Too inconsistent which is not a trait you want in his position. Pass.

 

Great shot stopper but total bomb scare otherwise.
Avoid.

 

Absolute shambles when it comes to cross balls. No thanks.

 

Good reason he's no longer number 1 at dirty leeds, I'd rather give Sinisalo a chance, he looked good last season and it was a disgrace he was dropped for the final AND it cost us

 

He’s dreadful. Makes howlers constantly.

 

* no. weak as *

 

Sinisalo for me 100 percent.

 

Had a worry thats who it was, no thanks.