Illan Meslier has had a strong turnaround at Leeds United, but in January, Daniel Farke considered replacing the Frenchman.
Meslier had a difficult time at Leeds only a month ago, following horrific blunders against Hull City.
Leeds fans wanted Meslier moved, but after six clean sheets in seven Championship games, it appears the 24-year-old is back on the fans’ good side.
Fans would have adored him even more if Meslier was photographed gesticulating at Sunderland fans.
However, if the Whites’ January bid had been accepted, the Leeds number one may have been replaced.
Leeds United launched a bid for goalkeeper amid Illan Meslier’s criticism.
After Meslier’s performance, it appears that there is a silver lining, but things could have turned out quite differently.
Leeds sought Sweden goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist in January, but the move never materialized, saving Meslier’s blushes.
However, the print version of Swedish newspaper Fotboll Direkt (22/02/25) says that Leeds’ inability to sign Mjallby keeper Tornqvist was due to a rejected proposal.
According to journalist Ola Gustavsson, Mjallby sporting director Hasse Larsson turned down bids for players, including Tornqvist, who was coveted by Leeds.
Gustavsson stated that his research indicates that Mjallby got ‘bids of roughly £750,000’ for Tornqvist, with the Whites submitting their own.
Tornqvist had hoped to move to Leeds, and it appears that all parties passed up an opportunity.
Leeds should trust Meslier now, but this is his last chance.
As previously stated, the whole scenario appears to be a silver lining following Meslier’s performance.
Despite Leeds’ continued trust in their goalkeeper, he is on his final warning.
If Leeds are promoted with Meslier in goal, Farke is likely to continue with his present squad.
However, if the Frenchman makes any more mistakes, he may lose his job, as Farke and Leeds were willing to replace him once before and are likely to do so again.
