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“Big Risk” – Joe Hart warns Leeds United could be making a major error by letting go of ‘outstanding’ £13.75m star following promotion
There are likely to be a few sore heads across West Yorkshire come Tuesday morning, after Leeds United clinched promotion back to the Premier League — especially among Daniel Farke’s players.
But, as always in football, attention quickly turns to the future, and questions are already being asked about whether Leeds can survive in the top flight next season.
That doubt is amplified by the fact that all three of last season’s promoted teams — Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester — are heading straight back down. Ipswich are on the verge of joining the other two in confirmed relegation.
Leeds will need reinforcements to compete, and some current squad members could be on their way out.
The 49ers, who own the club, reportedly want to bring in six key players this summer: a goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back, midfielder, winger, and striker.
Bringing in a new keeper could spell the end of Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road.
Joe Hart: Leeds might move on from Meslier
Former England international Joe Hart believes Leeds may be ready to part ways with Meslier.
The Frenchman has recently lost his spot in the starting XI to Karl Darlow, who has only conceded two goals in his last five games and kept three clean sheets.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, Hart recalled how impressed he was with Meslier’s early Premier League displays, but now questions whether the club still believes in him.
“I remember when he first came into the Premier League — I thought, wow, who is this guy? Young-looking, strong left foot, incredible reactions — like a cat,” Hart said.
“But this season, he’s let in some poor goals. Sam Allardyce took him out of the team previously.
There’s clearly a top-level goalkeeper in there, but whether he gets another chance at Leeds, I’m not sure.”
Hart also said he wasn’t aware of Meslier’s contract details, but added, “There’s a great keeper in there — it’s just about whether Leeds are willing to be patient enough to let him prove it at Premier League level.”
Meslier attracting interest from three clubs
Daniel Farke is said to be weighing up Meslier’s future, with Rennes interested in a second straight summer raid on Leeds after signing Glen Kamara last year. Leicester City are also reportedly monitoring the situation.
In addition, Liam Rosenior wants to bring the £13.75 million-rated keeper to Strasbourg, as the Ligue 1 side prepares to lose on-loan Chelsea stopper Djordje Petrovic.
Meslier is under contract at Leeds until the summer of 2026.
However, with the club now back in the Premier League, it’s possible the former Lorient goalkeeper could be sold — six years after he was first brought in by Victor Orta during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure.
