(Credit: Imago)

'Illian Meslier decision set as Leeds strike deal for replacement'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

Published on:

24 Jul 2025, 6:45 am

Leeds United have found their replacement for goalkeeper Illian Meslier as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of their Premier League return.

The Whites will compete in the Premier League next season for the first time in two years and manager Daniel Farke is acting quickly to upgrade his squad.

Farke has focused on defensive additions with two new centre-backs and a left-back signed along with striker Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg and midfielder Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United.

Leeds begun their pre-season campaign against rivals Manchester United in Stockholm, with the game finishing in a 0-0 draw.

Farke led Leeds to the Championship title last season. (Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Meslier ousted as Farke finds replacement

According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sports, Farke has now acquired a new goalkeeper with Lucas Perri set to join from Lyon.

The French club were demoted to Ligue 2 due to their financial position, but after an appeal Lyon will continue to play in Ligue 1 next season.

Perri only joined Lyon last summer, and was their number one as they came sixth in Ligue 1 and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, before being knocked out by Manchester United.

The 27-year-old will provide an upgrade on Meslier, who was dropped at the end of last season for his mistakes which could have cost Leeds promotion to the top flight.

The Frenchman now creates an uneasy atmosphere at Elland Road due to his performances, so signing a new goalkeeper was a must for Farke this summer.

The atmosphere at Elland Road should now be electric as the fans will play a huge role in supporting the team and ensuring Leeds make the most of home advantage.

Meslier's time at Leeds looks to be coming to an end. (Credit: Imago)

Perri arrivals adds to Leeds' ambitions

Perri is another superb addition from Farke to strengthen his defence, and Leeds look like they could be a tough team to break down next season.

Appearances	45
Goals Conceded	60
Clean Sheets	13

Perri's stats across all competitions for Lyon last season.

Farke getting business down early is key for Leeds as it ensures the new signings have time to gel ahead of their first league match against Everton.

A draw and clean sheet against Man United is a solid start to pre-season and upcoming matches against Villarreal and AC Milan will also provide stern tests to assess the strength of the squad.

The Premier League experience of Longstaff in-front of the back four will also help shield the defence, and Farke now only needs to add goals to his front line and Leeds will put themselves in a superb position to avoid the drop.

Doing so, however, will be a tough ask.

Leeds United