‘Leeds make Illan Meslier decision as major Nick Pope and Newcastle update emerges’
Leeds United have seemingly decided on Illan Meslier’s future, while Newcastle United have braced themselves for Nick Pope’s exit.
Meslier’s career at Elland Road has been brought into question after he was dropped by Daniel Farke while the Whites were vying to win promotion from the Championship.
Farke left Meslier out of the Leeds lineup for the last seven games of the second-tier season, while fellow goalkeeper Karl Darlow helped the West Yorkshire side win the Championship title.
The Elland Road club must now prepare themselves for the challenge of surviving in the Premier League, after winning promotion back to the top flight for the first time since suffering relegation in 2023.
Leeds eye Pope as Newcastle identify replacement
Even though Meslier maintained 21 clean sheets in 39 Championship appearances this term, his season was littered with individual errors that could have cost Leeds.
Meanwhile, according to The Mirror [2 June], the Whites are eyeing a swoop for Newcastle’s Pope, while the Magpies have identified Burnley’s James Trafford as a replacement for the 33-year-old.
Leeds had previously eyed Caoimhin Kelleher, which is indicative of Farke’s appetite to find an upgrade on Meslier.
Having served as the Whites’ number one since 2020, the Frenchman will likely leave Elland Road if the West Yorkshire side buy Pope.
By placing their interest in the Newcastle shotstopper, Leeds have paved the way for Meslier to make his exit this summer, while Darlow should be content with remaining as Farke’s back-up choice.
Kostas Tsimikas could go straight into Leeds’ starting lineup
The West Yorkshire side’s interest in Pope is indicative of their efforts to bridge the gap between the Championship and the Premier League, a gulf in class that has widened in recent years.
| Nick Pope stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Saves | 88 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
Pope has earned bags of Premier League experience courtesy of his time with Newcastle and former club Burnley, which will help Farke’s men in their quest for survival, should the England international agree terms in West Yorkshire.
But Farke must bolster his squad in all areas of the pitch, while Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Leeds can sign Kostas Tsimikas from Liverpool for £15million, and the left-back could slot straight into the Whites’ starting 11.
Once Liverpool sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, the Premier League champions should be willing to sell Tsimikas, amid the presence of Andy Robertson.
Meanwhile, Paul Robinson exclusively spoke to MOT Leeds news as Junior Firpo continues to negotiate a new contract with Farke’s side.