Leeds United lost one key player last week, as Pascal Struijk opted to join Brighton. It came as a bit of a surprise to the fanbase, but many around the club saw it coming.Â
He was in the final year of his contract, and per reports, was not willing to stay beyond this summer.
Leeds were reluctant to sell, but Brighton came in with a decent fee for the Dutch star. Now, the 49ers have a big task ahead of them as they have to replace a crucial player from the previous campaign.
The Whites are also waiting on the future of some players following last week.
As at now, Alex Cairns, Karl Darlow and Sam Byram are not under contract at Elland Road and can leave as free agents. Cairns has verbally agreed to stay, but there is no word on the other two players.
Former Leeds United star joins Arsenal
Last month also saw Illan Meslier depart Leeds United.
His situation at the club became very complicated over the last year. Meslier was first choice in the Championship in Leeds’ promotion campaign.
But he was benched in the final weeks of the season after a series of errors. Since then, Daniel Farke has not had trust in him and even named him as ‘third choice’ this past season.
The Frenchman looks to have bounced back as according to The Athletic, Premier League Champions Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign him. All formalities have been agreed to, with the 26-year old set to undergo a medical.
Meslier managed to make over 200 appearances in seven seasons at Elland Road, arriving as a highly-rated prospect back in 2020.
READ MORE: Leeds flop emerges as surprise target for Everton after World Cup heroics
Premier League champions pounce on market opportunity
Illan Meslier joining a club like Arsenal will come as a surprise to many Leeds fans.
The report from The Athletic states that the Premier League winners pounced on a market opportunity. They saw a keeper with Premier League experience on a free transfer and took it.
Mikel Arteta and his goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana believe Meslier fits the profile of a ‘modern’ keeper.
The Gunners have now boosted the depth of their goalkeeping core.
Per the news, this also allows Arsenal’s Tommy Setford to go out on loan for this coming season. The club understand that the England U21 international needs game time for his development.
