LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 28: Leeds United fans show a banner to the players at the end of the Coca-Cola Championship match between Leeds United and Ipswich Town at Elland Road on April 28, 2007 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Illan Meslier’s stance on Leeds United exit shared as Euro club initiate formal contact – Report
The Whites are close to returning to pre-season next week with Daniel Farke no doubt eager to get his side back in training for the 24/25 season.
After losing out on promotion, the club are going to see key players leave in order to balance the books, and interest is rife.
Illan Meslier on Marseille’s radar this summer
A report from La Provence has relayed claims that Ligue 1 side Marseille are keen on signing Illan Meslier from Leeds this summer.
The French club are looking for a new goalkeeper under their freshly appointed manager Roberto De Zerbi, and Meslier features high on their list to replace the outbound Pau Lopez.
Meslier is contracted until 2026 at Leeds after signing a long-term deal back in 2021 after a stellar first Premier League season.
Will Leeds get promoted next season?
What the report also reveals is that Meslier is keen to leave Leeds after failure to secure promotion, and therefore is willing to make the move to De Zerbi’s Marseille, with contact underway:
“The former 24-year-old hopeful international is indeed in contact with Olympique, as revealed by Foot Mercato and confirmed by La Provence.
“Even if the information taking is only in its infancy and other formations make his eyes soft, he is enthusiastic about continuing his career in the south of France after 5 seasons in Leeds, including three in the Premier League.”
As much as he’s managed to turn around his fortunes somewhat in the Championship, he’s still been quite suspect in a few areas in the EFL.
He’s not been good enough to warrant retaining when interest is there for him that should be able to recoup a significant fee.
What also should convince the 49ers to sell is that finding a better replacement won’t be difficult with the money he brings in.
