Illan Meslier’s tenure at Leeds United appears to be drawing to a close following a challenging end to the season for the goalkeeper at Elland Road.
Consistent glaring errors saw manager Daniel Farke drop the French shot-stopper from the starting lineup towards the conclusion of the previous campaign, opting instead for Karl Darlow. With Leeds now securing promotion back to the Premier League, it would be surprising to see Meslier retain his starting spot.
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Turkish media outlet Ajansspor reported on X (June 23) that Fenerbahçe has reached an agreement with the Leeds goalkeeper regarding a transfer this summer.
The Istanbul giants are reportedly keen to sign the 25-year-old to replace Dominik Livaković, and it’s claimed that Meslier is expected to travel to Istanbul this weekend, signaling an imminent end to his stint at Elland Road.
This move is part of Fenerbahçe’s broader transfer strategy under Jose Mourinho, which also includes finding a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin, who has returned to his parent club Al-Hilal after a loan spell.
For Leeds United, Meslier’s potential departure underscores the pressing need for a new, top-quality number one as they brace for the rigors of the Premier League.
Manager Daniel Farke will undoubtedly be keen for 49ers Enterprises to secure an experienced and reliable goalkeeper to prevent immediate relegation. Chelsea’s Djordje Petrović, who impressed during a loan spell at Strasbourg last season, is reportedly a target for Leeds this summer.
Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale is another option for the Whites in the ongoing transfer window, and acquiring the Englishman, if he can return to his form shown at Arsenal, would represent a significant gain.
While Karl Darlow stepped in admirably for Meslier towards the end of the Championship campaign, it is widely understood that the Wales international cannot be expected to serve as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper in the demanding top flight.
Leeds faces a crucial decision regarding their next goalkeeper, a choice that could significantly impact their Premier League survival bid. A dependable shot-stopper could arguably be the decisive factor in helping the Whites avoid the drop next season.
Having already bolstered their defense with the signing of Jaka Bijol, the focus now squarely shifts to securing a new presence between the sticks. For Meslier, a move away makes strategic sense, offering him the opportunity to kickstart his career in a new environment after a difficult period at Leeds.
