Dropped by Farke, But What Illan Meslier Did Next Will Shock Leeds Fans
Meslier Shows Class From the Sidelines as Leeds Close in on Premier League Return
Illan Meslier has demonstrated real professionalism despite being left out of the starting XI for the third game in a row during Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Preston on Saturday.
Two early goals sealed the deal for Daniel Farke’s side, keeping them firmly at the top of the Championship. But for Meslier, it was another game spent on the bench, watching Karl Darlow take charge between the posts.
The 25-year-old Frenchman has been under fire this season, with a string of costly mistakes believed to have contributed to the loss of around ten points. Calls from fans to drop him had been growing louder, and Farke finally made the switch last week against Luton.
Since then, Leeds have taken seven points from three matches and conceded just twice—suggesting the change may have been the right one. Despite his personal setback, Meslier has shown support for his teammates. After the win over Preston, he liked an Instagram post by striker Joel Piroe celebrating the victory, highlighting his continued backing of the squad.
Meslier joined Leeds in 2019 from French side Lorient on an initial loan and rose from the U23s to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper by the end of his debut season.
Now, with Leeds edging closer to automatic promotion, speculation is growing that the club will look to bring in a new goalkeeper ahead of their Premier League return. Farke is aware of the challenges promoted clubs like Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton have faced this season, and knows that any weak links must be addressed.
Unfortunately for Meslier, his inconsistency this season has raised questions about whether he can be trusted at the top level.
Current stand-in Karl Darlow has performed well, but it’s unclear if he’s seen as the long-term solution either.
Leeds have been linked with several potential replacements, including Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher—though he may prove difficult to land—and Burnley’s James Trafford, who is unlikely to leave if his side also secures promotion.
