{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
Grayson let “outstanding” GK leave Leeds, now he’s better than Meslier
Leeds United fans are enjoying a promising period as the West Yorkshire club continues to push for promotion back to the Premier League.
Not too long ago, Leeds were stuck in mediocrity in the Championship, with a string of underwhelming finishes dampening the atmosphere at Elland Road—until Marcelo Bielsa brought new life to the club from the dugout.
Now, Daniel Farke is hoping to replicate Bielsa’s success by guiding Leeds to a Championship title.
The German coach has already made some bold decisions to boost their chances, including the surprising move to drop Illan Meslier.
Illan Meslier’s uncertain future at Elland Road
It’s fair to say Meslier’s position at Leeds is under serious threat. Karl Darlow has taken over as the team’s starting goalkeeper, leaving the under-fire Frenchman on the sidelines.
Meslier had previously started every league game available to him this season, but a series of costly mistakes has opened the door for Darlow, who is now Farke’s preferred choice.
Ironically, it was Bielsa who first gave Meslier his shot at senior football with Leeds.
The ex-Lorient man has since made 214 appearances and kept 72 clean sheets for the club, but his recent dip in form may signal the end of his time in Yorkshire.
Reports now suggest Leeds are eyeing Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as a possible summer replacement.
Looking back, Leeds might regret not sticking with a more reliable option instead of potentially shelling out for a new signing.
Former Leeds stopper now outperforming Meslier
While Darlow could cement his place as the number one if his solid performances continue, having someone like Kasper Schmeichel in goal would be the ideal scenario for Farke.
Schmeichel, who once wore the Leeds jersey during the 2010/11 season under Simon Grayson, only made 40 appearances before leaving the club.
That season, Leeds finished just outside the playoff spots in seventh, with Schmeichel managing 10 clean sheets in a less-than-ideal team setup.
But the Danish goalkeeper didn’t let that brief spell hold him back.
He went on to become a Premier League mainstay with Leicester City, winning a historic league title and becoming one of the most dependable stoppers in England.
Since departing Leeds, Schmeichel has racked up an impressive 192 clean sheets and now, at 38, is still going strong at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers—his former boss at Leicester.
Rodgers once hailed him as “outstanding,” and Schmeichel’s current form is proving him right.
Featuring regularly in the Champions League, the Danish veteran has kept 22 clean sheets in 40 games this season—a testament to his enduring quality.
While playing in the Championship is arguably more challenging than dominating in Scotland with Celtic, Leeds must surely look back and regret allowing Schmeichel to leave so early, especially given their recent struggles in the goalkeeping department.
