Leeds United’s defeat to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium may have resulted in the departure of a number of players, which fans would have understood.
They still might, of course, with a month left in the transfer window and a slew of clubs vying for some of Leeds’ finest players. Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto are still being linked to the exit.
But as the 27-man Leeds squad prepares to fly back to Yorkshire from Germany this afternoon, and with less than a fortnight until the season opener against Portsmouth, the group feels united heading into August.
Last season, one area for improvement was The Whites’ starting lineup, which ultimately lost Leeds automatic promotion. The Leeds squad will be desperate to do it right this time and make it back to the top.
Never a thought for any Leeds player to leave the club.
While Summerville, Gnonto, and other Leeds players have been connected with the exit door, and some may be inclined to leave, it has never been an option for one player thought to be a fixture.
Illan Meslier is on track to play more than 200 games in all competitions for Leeds this season, having already played 165. Victor Orta is criticized, yet a £5 million agreement for Meslier is a huge checkmark next to his name.
Meslier has been named one of two vice captains at Elland Road, with Pascal Struijk, with Ethan Ampadu as captain. He told Leeds Live that he was never tempted to quit Leeds this summer.
“It’s always disappointing to lose in the play-off final. However, you will have time to reflect on everything that has happened. To be honest, we’re in a better situation this season than last.
“We will begin with the first game, not after the international break like last season. I’ve always known that I want to return to Leeds. There were no doubts or anything like that in my thoughts.
Clubs have expressed interest in signing Meslier from Leeds.
Daniel Farke described Meslier as “world class,” and the Whites are alleged to have set a £20 million asking price for him, with other clubs interested. Marseille were one club linked with a deal for the France U21 goalkeeper.
However, Meslier has not only found the next stage in his profession in Leeds, but also a home. The goalie has received some criticism at times, but at this level, Leeds will not find anyone as good as him.
Meslier will be crucial to Leeds in their pursuit of Championship title as Farke and Leeds team up once more. We are now just a few weeks away from the start of the season, when Leeds meet Portsmouth.
