Graham Smyth believes there will be a discussion about Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds United, but that he will stay at Elland Road this summer.
The Frenchman has frequently split supporters at Elland Road, but he remained Daniel Farke’s first choice throughout the 2023/24 season, starting 44 league games.
While there has been minimal conjecture over the 24-year-old’s future, some fans may be hopeful that Leeds begin the search for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Smyth told the Inside Elland Road podcast on Thursday (6 June): “You can definitely stick with Meslier. He was the goalie for a club that earned the kind of points they did, kept a number of clean sheets, and if well-protected, he’ll be OK in the Championship.”
Joe Donnohue disagreed against the notion, stating: “Over the course of last season, Meslier ranked 42nd in shot-stopping among all the ‘keepers in the Championship.”
Smyth responded to the statistic, saying, “42nd?” In the Championship? I’d like to know how he ranks among players who played equivalent minutes. Meslier has a reputation, if not a record, for conceding too many goals from too few shots at times in his career.
“He has occasionally been hanged out to dry. That was the case in the Premier League, when he was part of a really bad squad with horrible management. It wasn’t always his fault, and he didn’t always exude confidence.
“There is a talk to be had, but I do not believe that is at the top of the squad’s priority list. I don’t think it’s among the top three. Maybe if you can obtain a bonus, an improvement in that area will be excellent.”
Will Leeds United seek to replace Illan Meslier this summer?
Meslier has been Elland Road’s first-choice shot-stopper since joining from Lorient in 2019, with the contract made permanent in the summer of 2020.
With 166 appearances for the Whites, it may be tough to find a stronger substitute than the Frenchman, notwithstanding his flaws.
Goalkeepers are always the most scrutinized, mostly because if they make a mistake, they are typically penalized. Outfielders, on the other hand, can be spared if they make a mistake, which is why Meslier will stand out more.
Farke will undoubtedly need to see development from his goalkeeper next season, but the regular figure at Elland Road is unlikely to be overlooked this summer.
The club is likely to make a number of changes in the summer transfer market, but Meslier, according to Smyth, will be low on the priority list.
