Leeds United spent close to £100million in the summer transfer window. The team addressed a lot of needs and concerns in some areas on the pitch, although fans would disagree.
Out of the £100million spent, only a fraction of it was invested in the attack – Noah Okafor was the only attacker signed on a permanent transfer. Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined as free agents.
The midfield and defence were heavily invested in as the Whites brought in depth and quality. And it has showed so far, as the clubs best performers this season have not come from the attack. Daniel Farke also got a new first choice goalkeeper in the transfer window.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
Leeds United star could be sold in January
Illan Meslier
Credit: Imago Images
Lucas Perri arrived from Lyon for a record fee for a Leeds goalkeeper. The Brazilian came in as number one, displacing Illan Meslier. In fact, the French stopper slipped down to being third choice at the club this summer, with Karl Darlow firmly as the second choice. With Perri out for the past few games, Darlow has stepped in and done a wonderful job.
This could mean Meslier’s time at the club is finally up. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds will try and offload the 25-year old in the January transfer window. There seems to be a lot of interest from clubs across Europe. Inter Milan are said to have serious interest in the Frenchman, alongside Lorient and Valencia.
Sources say that Leeds would want a fee for Meslier, despite his contract expiring next summer. This means he is free to enter talks over a pre-contract in January.
David James discusses Illan Meslier’s decline
Meslier had a great start to his Leeds career when he arrived. His performances in previous years even saw him tipped as becoming France’s number one in the future. However, it has not gone according to plan. Former England international David James has spoken on the Frenchman’s situation:
“I’ve got a soft spot for Leeds, for many different reasons. The thing that’s frustrated me with the Leeds goalkeeping position is the fact that Meslier hasn’t been the number one, France’s number one, and the best goalkeeper people have seen for years.”
“I think back to his debut in the Premier League a few years ago and he had all the credentials to be top drawer.
“I’d like to think he can get his head round getting back into the first team and being the goalkeeper I’ve hoped he will be.”
