Archie Gray reacts as Leeds United confirm Illan Meslier exit

Archie Gray has reacted after Leeds United confirmed that his former teammate Illan Meslier has left the club.

It has been apparent for some time that the 26-year-old would be departing this summer, with a free transfer elsewhere now expected.

The Frenchman did not make a single senior appearance throughout the season, with Daniel Farke opting for Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow.

It has been a rather sudden career shift for Meslier, who started the first 39 Championship games of the 2024-25 Championship season.

High-profile errors had become more and more common for the former France youth international, however, and his manager could accept them no longer.

Leeds' goalkeeping issues remain unresolved, however, with Perri failing to impress and talks with Darlow ongoing ahead of the expiration of his contract this month.

Archie Gray reacts to Illan Meslier confirmation

At one point, Meslier was among the most exciting young goalkeepers in all of Europe.

Leeds transfer chiefs had identified the 19-year-old after a season in Ligue 2 with FC Lorient, signing him in an initial loan deal which was later made permanent when he broke into the first team.

Meslier's first Premier League season saw him keep 11 clean sheets and catch eyes across Europe, with Chelsea among the clubs to consider a bid.

The goalkeeper stayed and continued to be the Leeds number one - a position many expected him to hold for many years.

And he did, but a gradual decline in performance over the years has seen his time at Elland Road finally come to an end this summer.

Gray, who left Leeds for Tottenham in 2024, liked the post announcing Meslier's departure on Instagram.

What next for Meslier?

There have been links to Turkey for Meslier in recent transfer windows, but the goalkeeper will likely receive more attractive proposals.

The move that likely makes more sense than any other is one that would see the 26-year-old return to Lorient. In the years since his departure, the French club have progressed significantly.

The season that Meslier initially spent on loan at Leeds was one that saw his boyhood club promoted to Ligue 1 as champions.

They were relegated in 2024, but came straight back up as champions and earned a hugely impressive 10th place finish in the top flight this season.

With first-choice goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo 32 years old and with just one year remaining on his deal, Meslier's return could be on the cards.