Leeds United announced after the end of the season that some first team players were set to leave the club. This was news as clubs across the country published their ‘retained’ lists.
The Whites decided to offer new contracts to Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns and Sam Byram.
Darlow was a key figure in Leeds managing to survive relegation last season; the veteran keeper was outstanding when called upon. He is yet to sign a new deal with interest from Everton and Manchester United.
Per reports, Alex Cairns has verbally agreed to a new deal with an announcement set to follow.
Sam Byram is also set to reject at stay at Elland Road, with Football Insider linking him with a move to Norwich City. The defender is expected to join his old club ahead of the new season.
Illan Meslier makes admission after signing with Arsenal
Illan Meslier was the first name Leeds United confirmed would be leaving this summer.
His contract expired and the club did not offer him a new deal. Meslier’s time at Elland Road had come to an end long ago, after he was removed as the club’s first choice keeper.
This past season, he spent the campaign on the bench and sometimes out of the matchday squad.
So it was a surprise when news emerged this past week that Arsenal had agreed to sign him as a free agent. With how he ended his Leeds career, the news came as a shock to fans.
The Frenchman has now been officially unveiled, and he made an admission about his time in West Yorkshire.
“When I came to Leeds, I didn’t speak English at all,” he explained. “I didn’t really know the league. But seven years later, I speak English now and I know the Prem [Premier League].”
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It was time for him to move on from Leeds United
After losing his place as first choice keeper, there was really nothing left for Meslier.
He just kept sliding down the pecking order and was not really given a chance to earn his place back. Players like Karl Darlow made the best of the opportunity over the last year in his place.
Meslier was tipped to leave in the last two windows, but nothing concrete came in.
The French stopper now has a big chance to revamp his career after joining Premier League winners Arsenal.
