Leeds United still have several important decisions to make this summer, but it appears one call regarding a player departure has already been settled.
There is plenty of excitement among supporters heading into the transfer window after the Whites secured Premier League survival and finished 14th in their first season back in the top flight.
The focus is now on strengthening the squad, with Daniel Farke keen to bring in players who can genuinely raise the level of the team ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
But recruitment will only be part of the story. Chairman Paraag Marathe has already made it clear that some players will move on as Leeds reshape the squad, and the club have announced the departure of Illan Meslier.
Illan Meslier leaves Leeds United
Meslier’s departure has been an open secret, but the club have now officially confirmed that the player will leave the club at the end of this month.
A statement on Leeds’ X handle read: “Leeds United can confirm that Illan Meslier will leave this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
“Everyone at the club thanks Illan for his service and wishes him all the best for the future.”
Leeds tried to sell him in the last two transfer windows, and he didn’t play a single minute of football for the club in his last season at Elland Road.
Meslier signalled his potential departure at Elland Road towards the end of the season when he sat in the middle of the pitch after the win over Brighton to say goodbye to the iconic stadium.
He lost his place towards the end of Leeds’ promotion-winning campaign in the Championship following several big errors.
The Frenchman became the third or fourth choice goalkeeper in the squad once Leeds signed Lucas Perri in the last summer transfer window.
A tale of unfulfilled potential
Illan Meslier leaves Leeds United as the club’s record holder for the most clean sheets in a single season and as a player who played a major role in promotion-winning campaigns under both Marcelo Bielsa and Daniel Farke.
He was also one of Leeds’ standout performers during their first season back in the Premier League under Bielsa, quickly establishing himself as a key figure despite his young age.
For all his talent and potential, though, Meslier never quite reached the level many expected. His position came under increasing scrutiny over the past couple of seasons, and a difficult run of form towards the end of last season ultimately saw him lose his place in the side, a spot he was unable to reclaim.
Leeds explored opportunities to sell the French goalkeeper during each of the last two transfer windows, but no move ever came to fruition. As a result, Meslier is now set to depart on a free transfer, bringing the curtain down on a significant spell at Elland Road.
While his time at the club may not have ended in the way either side would have hoped, his contribution to some of Leeds’ most memorable recent successes should not be overlooked.
MESLIER ‘A MAJOR DEPARTURE’ ! REALLY ?????