Illan Meslier responds to Joel Piroe’s message amid Leeds transfer uncertainty
Joel Piroe and Illan Meslier’s places in Leeds United’s starting XI are under threat ahead of the new Premier League season.
Meslier and Piroe started 39 and 36 Championship matches respectively last season as Leeds stormed to the title with a 100-point haul, and they edged out Burnley on goal difference thanks to a tally of 95.
Piroe top-scored for Leeds with 19 goals and netted four against Stoke City in the 6-0 win which sealed promotion at Elland Road, but already faces fresh competition in the form of new signing Lukas Nmecha.
Daniel Farke was also forced into a decision on Meslier’s place after several high-profile errors last term, and Football Insider revealed in April that Leeds see a goalkeeper upgrade as their priority this summer.
Meslier reacts to Piroe ‘recap’ with Leeds exit inevitable
Mateo Joseph’s bright pre-season and strong start to last term threatened Piroe’s place in the team, but he quickly usurped the Spaniard with his finishing and is now firmly ahead in Leeds’ pecking order.
Piroe’s place is by no means assured ahead of Leeds‘ return to the Premier League though, with United’s signing of Nmecha and their pursuit of Nikola Krstovic and Rodrigo Muniz set to command sizeable fees.
The Dutchman hasn’t let the pressure of competition affect him in his first two seasons at Elland Road though, and posted on Instagram (30 June) ahead of Leeds‘ return to pre-season training this month.
Meslier was one of several Leeds team-mates to like Piroe’s post, which showcased a busy off-season for the striker and was captioned with: “Summer 2025 recap”.
Meslier must accept Leeds exit amid Fenerbahce links
Football Insider Verdict
Although Piroe’s 19 Championship goals may not be enough to earn a Premier League start next season, Leeds are highly unlikely to entertain offers which come in for him as a key part of their future plans.
Meslier certainly isn’t in the same boat after his series of costly errors last season, and many Leeds fans will hope that reported interest from Fenerbahce becomes concrete before the transfer window closes.
The 25-year-old’s time looks to be up at Elland Road after failing to meet his early potential, but the onus is on Leeds to find a suitable replacement for Meslier before they allow him to head for pastures new.