Illan Meslier offered January escape route from Leeds for a ‘symbolic fee’
Leeds United may be able to offload Illan Meslier in January, after a European club expressed their interest in signing the goalkeeper.
Meslier has not appeared for Leeds this season, with Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow above the Frenchman in the pecking order at Elland Road.
Leeds’ 2-0 win over West Ham has the club out of the relegation zone with a six-point cushion and 15th in the Premier League table.
In the first nine matches of the season Daniel Farke’s side have kept two clean sheets, conceding 14 goals.
Anderlecht lining up Illan Meslier move
Premier League clubs explored a move for Meslier in the summer, but the goalkeeper remained at Elland Road despite Farke’s clear stance on not playing the 25-year-old.
Now, as per Voetbal Nieuws [27 October], Belgian club Anderlecht have joined the race for Meslier’s services.
“The club is reportedly willing to let the Frenchman go for a symbolic fee, while his market value is around €14 million,” Voetbul Nieuws reported.
“His expected salary of £30,000 per week is on the high side for Anderlecht, but not excessive. Moreover, it can be creatively managed through signing fees, bonuses, and contract duration—Kasper Schmeichel showed that exceptions are possible.”
| Appearances | 214 |
| Clean Sheets | 72 |
| Goals Conceded | 283 |
Meslier sale may help Leeds with PSR rules
Leeds have been hit with a PSR blow, which could affect their January transfer business meaning any sales to fringe players would be welcomed.
Meslier is not in Farke’s plans and it would take injuries to two players for the shot stopper to start a game for the club again.
With Meslier’s contract expiring in the summer, it would be a sensible decision for Leeds to cash in.