‘Illan Meslier to leave Leeds as Ramsdale, Johnstone and Kelleher wanted’
Illan Meslier’s is expected to leave Leeds United, with a list of potential replacements emerging at Elland Road ahead of the summer.
The 25-year-old Frenchman’s future is seriously under threat following several goal-costing errors for the Whites this season, seeing him benched for the final seven matches of the Championship campaign.
One of his biggest mistakes was his awful handling error in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland in October, allowing a looping equaliser to squeeze under him in the seventh minute of added time.
Karl Darlow filled in to help Daniel Farke‘s side back to the Premier League, and while the Welshman is not as comfortable with the ball at his feet, supporters were far more comfortable with him in between the sticks.
Football Insider understands, however, that Farke would see Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as a “great fit” for the Leeds squad, amid links with Caoimhin Kelleher and Sam Johnstone.
Illan Meslier is expected to leave Leeds United
According to the Daily Mail (30 May), Meslier is expected to leave Elland Road if a reasonable offer comes in for the goalkeeper this summer, with a list of potential replacements emerging.
Wolves’ Johnstone, Liverpool‘s back-up goalkeeper Kelleher, and Ramsdale have all been discussed as options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign as the Whites prepare for the Premier League.
Irishman Kelleher is a wanted man though as Football Insider understands Aston Villa are interested in the Anfield man as a potential Emi Martinez replacement, while the likes of Brentford, Bournemouth and Chelsea have all been linked.
Daniel Farke to rebuild Leeds United squad for the Premier League
Football Insider verdict
Stefan Borson told Football Insider that 49ers Enterprises could bankroll a Leeds spending spree over the summer, and that could be key to the club’s survival in the Premier League next season.
Josuha Guilavogui, Joe Rothwell, and Manor Solomon are all set to depart Elland Road at the end of their contracts, and several high-profile stars are being linked with moves away this summer.
Football Insider understands that Leeds will not build their attack around Joel Piroe despite the Dutchman netting 19 times in the Championship this season, leaving Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt as available strikers.
While supporters will be looking out for exciting attacking transfer links, finding a replacement for Meslier should be near the top of the club’s aims before the new season kicks off.
Darlow is a decent back-up option for the Whites, but at 34 years of age, it is important that a young, talented, proven shot-stopper is found if Farke’s side are to survive the relegation battle next term.
There will be several problems to fix throughout the summer transfer window, but if there is one thing to get absolutely spot on, it is replacing the continuous mistakes in between the sticks.