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£10m deal, two replacements, player frustration - Illan Meslier final Leeds United transfer verdict

Illan Meslier celebrates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Middlesbrough FC at Elland Road.
-Credit:Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images


The January transfer window always brings about speculation over possible comings and goings at every club. It’s no different at Leeds United as they look to make it second time lucky in their aim of returning to the Premier League.

The Whites have been linked with several players over the past few weeks, but there is also talk over a possible exit of goalkeeper Illan Meslier. It has been reported in the national press that Leeds would be open to selling the 24-year-old should the right offer come in before the end of the window.

The goalkeeper has been criticised for his performance in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Hull City, and it has led to calls for him to be replaced in the lineup by Karl Darlow for the remainder of the campaign. Despite the disappointment of dropping points at the weekend, Leeds still sit top of the Championship.

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But what should Daniel Farke and the Whites now do regarding Meslier? Should they cash in during the current window, or stick with the goalkeeper? We have our say:

Amie Wilson

When fans start to turn on goalkeepers, it’s hard to win back that trust. Mistakes cause a nervousness among fans as well as the defence in front of the goalkeeper, which then leads to mistakes and more work for a player who may be low on confidence - it can turn into a vicious circle.

While Meslier has produced some impressive performances in his time as Leeds number one, he has also made some high-profile mistakes, most recently against Hull, that have cost the Whites some vital points. Therefore, I think the most sensible thing to do is to take him out of the firing line.

Leeds have a more than capable deputy in Karl Darlow, and I think it’s time that he is given a chance. The question then to be asked is if Leeds should sell Meslier in January.

For me, it all depends on the offer that comes in. If Leeds can get around £10 million or more for a player who may now not be first choice, then I think it’s a no-brainer, with the money reinvested back into the squad, it could just make the difference at the end of the season.

Matty Hewitt

I for one still can't get over the moment at Sunderland. That's not to say that Meslier isn't one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship on his day, but it's at a stage now where these mistakes are becoming far too frequent.

You can see the frustration on the faces of Leeds United players when Hull City's second goal goes in after Meslier drops the ball to the feet of Joao Pedro. Sure, mistakes are part and parcel of the game, but they can't afford to drop points like that in yet another competitive Championship title race.

That being said, Darlow is an experienced deputy and though he hasn't been given much game time since arriving at Elland Road, his time with Hull City showed he can be one of the best shot stoppers in the division. I'd be tempted to give the Wales international a run of games.

If Leeds are to win promotion back to the Championship, a goalkeeper has to be on the agenda this summer. I think there's too little time to find a number one, who won't cost mega money this month.

Meslier is no longer a young inexperienced goalkeeper. He's closing in on 25-years-old and these mistakes should be becoming less frequent, not more regular.

Josh Holland

Meslier has always had eyes on him. Despite interest from Chelsea and elsewhere, the Frenchman has unfortunately become known for errors and mistakes. In the Premier League, it was accepted more but doing it in the Championship has been bad.

The first goal against Hull was bad defending and Meslier had no choice but to come out. But for me, the second and third goals are down to him. As Matty says above, mistakes are part and parcel of the game but what happened for Pedro's goal on Saturday is unjustifiable.

Even on the third goal, his positioning is dreadful and Kamara's shot is tame. Farke has previously discussed the luxury of having a competitive goalkeeping department and Darlow has every right to be asking questions.

But if Leeds see the job through and earn promotion, a goalkeeper will be the priority. Following a quick glance at Transfermarkt.com, the goalkeepers of the same value who could be tempting come in the shape of Parma's Zion Suzuki, who has been linked with Manchester United, and Sam Johnstone at Wolves.

Tom Coley

Every strong team across the world needs a pillar at the back. A reliable goalkeeper adds points and literally saves teams.

Whilst Meslier has been capable of the incredible at Leeds, ever since joining, he has never been consistent or particularly reliable. With a good group around him in the Championship this doesn't get exposed as much but even now, Leeds are finding problems with Meslier again.

He was linked with a £30million move to Chelsea previously, maybe the club wish they could turn back time to get the deal through instead of now being stood needing a probable replacement. An experienced No.1 would enhance Farke's side no end.

Daniel Farke

Speaking before Christmas, following Leeds' 4-0 win over Oxford United, Farke revealed his true feelings on Meslier and the goalkeeping department at Thorp Arch. “I don’t want to speak too much about what has happened before I arrived because I can’t judge the goalkeeper situation from what has happened before," he said.

"I have to say how Illan has done well, as a person, it’s quite impressive. There’s no coincidence that he has stepped up and taken over a leading role within our group, but of course, we have a great goalkeeping squad, Ed Wootten is doing a fantastic job.

"Karl [Darlow] has earnt his spot in the Wales squad, it’s no coincidence because he delivers for us in training. Alex Cairns, I’ve spoken about my value for him. We have a really good group, but also a good mood in the group.

"Each and one of my goalkeepers want to show me in training that they are the best. Each goalkeeper has to deliver. With Illan, it’s sometimes difficult because it’s easier when you’re always involved and making saves, but quite often, we’re so dominant that he has his first action, more or less, just after 70 or 80 minutes. Sometimes he has to defend the counter-attack, like today, then be on it."