Leeds United star Illan Meslier sends two-word message as new transfer confirmed
Illan Meslier took to social media with a new transfer message as speculation swirls around the goalkeeper’s future at Leeds United.
The Frenchman has been first-choice for the Whites over the last few seasons, having first arrived on loan from Lorient in 2019 before making his move permanent the following summer.
It was a very positive 2024/25 season at Elland Road as Daniel Farke‘s side won promotion back to the Premier League, but the same cannot be said for the shot-stopper’s personal campaign.
Following a series of goal-costing mistakes, the 25-year-old was dropped for Welshman Karl Darlow, and Mick Brown told Football Insider in April that Leeds would entertain offers for Meslier in the summer.
The Whites have since been linked with several goalkeepers, including Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone, but no movement has been made yet.
Instead, the player has turned his attention elsewhere in Europe following the confirmation of a new transfer.
Illan Meslier congratulates former teammate
Taking to Instagram stories (19 July), Meslier wrote: “Felicitations, frerot! [Congratulations, brother]” following Julien Ponceau’s move to Real Valladolid from Lorient this summer.
The wide midfielder notched three goals and five assists in Ligue 2 last season, playing a key role as his side won promotion to the top tier of French football.
Daniel Farke to improve Leeds United squad
Football Insider verdict
Many supporters were concerned about the potential for Farke to lead the club into the Premier League next season, mainly due to his experiences in the division with Norwich City.
Despite this, the ownership appears to be standing strong on the German’s future at Elland Road, with the board even supporting the manager in the summer transfer market with several signings.
Moves for Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Sean Longstaff have all been completed, with Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach likely to be next.
Football Insider understands that Leeds are also eyeing a 20-goal-per-season striker for the season ahead, and that will be incredibly key for the team’s fight for survival in the Premier League.
Only Burnley conceded fewer goals than the Whites in the Championship last season, showcasing the team’s solid base, and the midfield is already stacked to the rafters for next season.
Despite scoring the most goals in the division last term, goals are likely to be the biggest concern against huge clubs in the first division of English football, and Farke needs to rectify that soon.