A number of players left Elland Road this summer after being surplus to requirements to Leeds United. Some were first team stars, while others were past signings that never panned out.
Daniel Farke put the nail in the coffin for most of these players when he left them out of the pre-season camp in Germany this summer. The list of players that made the trip showed who was in the club’s plans for the upcoming season.
Then later in the transfer window, Leeds completed deals which saw some exits. Joe Gelhardt, Mateo Joseph and Largie Ramazani were sent out on loan. Sam Greenwood completed a shock move to Poland, and Patrick Bamford agreed to mutually terminate his contract, bringing a seven-year stay to an end.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
Manchester United deal blocks Leeds United move
Illan Meslier
Credit: Imago Images
One of the players that remains at Elland Road despite being left out of plans this season is Illan Meslier. The French keeper had been linked with moves all summer, but nothing concrete was on the table. Valencia were reportedly interested in a deal around deadline day, but the transfer never panned out.
Manchester United have recently agreed to send goalkeeper Andre Onana out on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor. According to Graeme Bailey, this deal shut the door for a Meslier departure, as the Turkish side showed some interest:
“A lot of goalkeepers were on the market after the Premier League window shut.” he told Leeds United News.
“Trabzonspor was an option for him [before they signed Andre Onana]. It’s one of those where he’ll end up staying until January. It’s one of those situations where it could have been handled better by Leeds.”
What happens to Meslier now?
With transfer windows around Europe quickly closing, the chances of the 25-year old become slimmer every day. And with Daniel Farke reluctant to name him in matchday squads, he could sit out the season until January. Meslier’s contract expires next summer, which means he is free to talk to clubs over joining on a free transfer when the Winter window comes around.
