This season, Leeds are struggling to maintain their position. Camped in 15th place, the promoted team is six points ahead of West Ham, first in relegation. An interesting mattress for the team from the south of England who aspire to remain in the English elite for many more seasons. And even though Daniel Farke has had a lot of work to handle since the start of the season, many hours of work have been assigned specifically to the goalkeeper’s yard. While Lucas Perri was recruited for 15 million euros this summer, the Brazilian goalkeeper was quickly demoted by the German coach.
A downgrade that suited Karl Darlow’s business. The 35-year-old Welsh veteran has returned to goal and is providing satisfaction for the moment. Is there a name missing? Indeed, Illan Meslier does not appear in the discussion. Considered one of the great French hopes at the goalkeeper position, Meslier made a name for himself by quickly joining England after a remarkable debut with Lorient in Ligue 2. Arriving during the Marcelo Bielsa era and a pillar of the team with more than 200 matches played for the Whites, Meslier has not played in the first team since he was dismissed by Daniel Farke in March 2025.
Illan Meslier is at the end of his contract next June
A sign of this total rupture, Leeds did not wish the 26-year-old goalkeeper’s birthday this Monday. Proof, if any were still needed, of the terrible downgrading of the doorman trained in Lorient. Last February, Meslier played two small matches with the Leeds reserve team, just to keep in shape. In one of these two matches, the 26-year-old goalkeeper even stood out with a rather impressive save from the penalty spot. But as he reaches the end of his contract next June, the time must seem very long for the Breton. He does not speak on social networks or in the media. The former international Espoirs (13 caps) drags out his spleen in silence.
What future will hold for Meslier? While he will, in all likelihood, go free this summer, his profile is attractive. There was a time close to Turkey this winter and we explained to you last summer that Lorient was carefully observing the prospect of a comeback from the club’s child. A return to France in a modest Ligue 1 team could be an interesting rebound for Meslier who badly needs to get back on track with his promising start to his career.
