‘Leeds make Illan Meslier decision amid major Djordje Petrovic development’
Leeds United have decided on Illan Meslier’s future at the same time as Djordje Petrovic’s Chelsea career has taken a twist.
Even though Leeds won the Championship title by winning a remarkable tally of 100 points last term, goalkeeper Meslier left a lot to be desired, making errors which could have derailed the Whites’ promotion push.
Daniel Farke opted to leave Meslier on the bench for the last seven games of the second-tier season, as previous back-up choice Karl Darlow helped the West Yorkshire wide return to the Premier League.
As the Elland Road side strive to survive in the top flight next season, Farke is intent on bolstering his ranks, while Leeds want to sign right-back Vladimir Coufal.
Leeds are interested in Meslier upgrade as Chelsea want to sell Petrovic
Petrovic has been left out of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, indicating that the Stamford Bridge side are willing to cash in on the goalkeeper’s services.
According to BBC Sport [11 June], Petrovic is highly rated at Chelsea, but all parties agree that a move away from West London would be the best option for the 25-year-old.
Meanwhile, writing in The Athletic [7 June], Beren Cross reported: “Goalkeepers Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow remain under contract, but the former has had the latest in a series of poor campaigns and the latter failed to win Farke over until the 89th of his 95 league matches at the helm.
“In a season where Leeds’ goal is expected to be under extended pressure, they need a stellar stopper to keep them up.”
As Chelsea have put Petrovic up for sale, that could open the door for Farke to acquire the man whose work between the sticks could keep the Elland Road side in the Premier League, consequently causing Meslier to leave West Yorkshire or to settle into life as a back-up choice.
Football Insider verdict
Petrovic could be a top acquisition for Leeds
Leeds are rightfully in the market for a new goalkeeper, as Meslier displayed his shortcomings in the Championship, proving that he is not the correct man to help keep the West Yorkshire club in the Premier League.
| Djordje Petrovic stats | 2024/25 Ligue 1 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Saves | 111 |
| Clean sheets | 10 |
On the other hand, Petrovic could be the right man for the job, having maintained 10 clean sheets in 31 French Ligue 1 outings for Strasbourg during his loan spell last season.
The 25-year-old is also a Serbia international, and kept clean sheets in a 0-0 draw with Albania on 7 June as well as a 3-0 victory over Andorra on 10 June.
His ability to perform for his nation in World Cup qualifiers further demonstrates that he could be a solid choice for Farke’s men in the Premier League next season.
Furthermore, Petrovic made 23 top-flight appearances for Chelsea in 2023/24, showing that he can perform for a side who are chasing European football, let alone for a Leeds outfit who will be tasked with avoiding relegation.
Meanwhile, Ian Darke has claimed that Jack Harrison is not good enough for the Whites in an MOT Leeds News exclusive.