Rangers in talks to sign Leeds United keeper Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier could finally leave Leeds United as Rangers join a European race for the goalkeeper’s signature this summer.
The Frenchman sank down Daniel Farke‘s pecking order during the 2024/25 campaign, having made several costly errors between the sticks before being replaced by Karl Darlow.
Now, new signing Lucas Perri is clearly the first-choice shot-stopper for the Whites, with Darlow starting in the shock defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 26 August.
Russell Martin could now offer the goalkeeper a lifeline as Jack Butland remains under pressure as Rangers’ first choice, especially after the Light Blues’ embarrassing defeat to Club Brugge.
After losing their Champions League qualifier first leg 3-1 to the Belgian giants, an early red card for Max Aarons saw the Gers crash out of the competition following a 6-0 thrashing in the second leg on Wednesday, 27 August.
Rangers to battle Valencia for Illan Meslier
Taking to X (28 August), Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna wrote: “Valencia have made Illan Meslier their priority, but Stole Dimitrievski must first leave the Spanish club.
“Glasgow Rangers and Leeds are also negotiating his arrival, with Lorient also having made an initial offer to Leeds,” for the goalkeeper, who has yet to make an appearance in the 2025/26 campaign.
The 25-year-old kept 21 clean sheets in 39 Championship matches last season, but it appears that his future now lies away from Elland Road amid interest from across Europe.
Butland is currently joined by Liam Kelly and Kieran Wright at Ibrox, but possibly not for much longer.
Russell Martin under pressure at Ibrox
Football Insider verdict
Butland was expected to be sold by Rangers this summer, especially after links with Newcastle United-bound Aaron Ramsdale, but he continues to make mistakes in between the sticks.
One player is hardly the problem at Ibrox right now, though, with Martin facing growing pressure at Ibrox due to several incredibly frustrating results since his appointment this summer.
It is understood that a decision has already been made to continue backing the former Southampton boss, which has come as a huge frustration to the passionate supporters in Scotland.
The Gers and Celtic have both been knocked out of the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign, dropping down to the Europa League, where they will be hoping to go on a European run.
Brendan Rodgers, however, has credibility at Celtic Park, whereas Martin has only won three of his 10 matches in charge so far, conceding 17 goals in that time.
His team are already six points behind their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Premiership table, having drawn all three of their league games, currently sitting seventh at the start of a frustrating campaign.