HIGHLIGHTS
- Meslier has the most clean sheets in the Championship, but his shot-stopping percentage has dropped, prompting criticism.
- Leeds may contemplate selling Meslier this summer for a profit, with Viktor Johansson as a possible alternative.
- Smith believes it’s time to cash in on Meslier and invest in a shot-stopper like Johansson or Muric.
This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features personal comments from FLW Fan Pundits on breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more.
Illan Meslier has established himself as Daniel Farke’s go-to goalkeeper this season, appearing in practically every Championship game, but the Leeds United goalie has recently faced criticism.
His clean sheets have increased in 2024, with the Frenchman leading the way in that category, albeit just two have come since the international break, which may alarm Farke and his team, particularly as the season nears its end.
Despite several whispers and conjecture regarding Leeds’ goalkeeper over the summer, the Frenchman remained at Elland Road. Meslier was anticipated to leave Leeds this summer, and reports suggested the club would sell him.
Farke’s position between the sticks has remained intact in the league for virtually the whole season, and he knows who his number one is. Leeds have plenty of goalkeeping choices, including Karl Darlow, but the current number one is their most skilled option, the 24-year-old, who has appeared in 42 of 45 league games.
However, the Whites will be aware that Meslier is a player on whom they can easily profit, having paid roughly £5 million on the Frenchman in the summer of 2020, and with seven goals conceded in the last two games, there have been renewed concerns.
Leeds have recently been linked with an interest in Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson, while Stoke City are also expected to make a bid in the summer now that their Championship status has been confirmed. He is in the final year of his contract with a relegated side, and it has been stated that Johansson has a release provision in his contract that will allow him to depart the Millers for about £1 million now that the club’s relegation has been confirmed.
The conclusion on Illan Meslier’s Leeds future and replacement.
Kris Smith, FLW’s Leeds United fan commentator, has weighed in on Meslier’s recent performances as well as his thoughts on the Johansson links.
He said: “The QPR game convinced me that we can’t keep relying on Meslier in the long run. It demonstrated unequivocally to many Leeds fans who have been vociferous on social media that Meslier should not be the number one.
“When the pressure is really on our squad, he is rarely the one to bail us out, and is frequently one of the first to fold in reality.
“Yes, he may make the odd amazing save – such as against Leicester or Sunderland – or put in a standout performance against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, but he is still significantly underperforming in many categories over the course of a season.
“It’s just not enough for us right now, but we’ve known that for a long time. We’ve reached a stage where, in my opinion, we should cash in regardless of division this summer.
“With that money, you may reinvest and even improve in the process. Who we sign remains to be seen, and it will mostly depend on which division we are in, of course.
“The name Johannesson immediately strikes out to me. He’s a terrific shot-stopper who would cost a fraction of what we could earn by selling Meslier to a team in Europe.
“He’s the only reason Rotherham weren’t relegated sooner, and he impressed me in person when he visited Elland Road. It could have been double figures if he hadn’t been between the sticks.
“I was impressed by his athleticism in getting across the goal and commanding his area. It’s something we’ve been missing for a while.
“However, if we do go up and seek for top-flight possibilities, I believe Arijanet Muric at Burnley is worth considering.
“Despite the few mistakes he has made in recent weeks, I believe he would be an excellent choice for us.
“He’s been crucial for Burnley recently, keeping them in a survival battle. If the worst happens and they get relegated, he will be worth far less to us.
“We could get him on a low deal. He’s a huge, intimidating shot-stopper who is very secure on the ball, so he’s someone we should keep an eye on if we move up.
“If not, then Johansson is an absolute must-have for any squad hoping to break into the top two in the Championship. The only worry is his footwork and ability to play from the back.
“Meslier has struggled with this, whereas Muric thrives at it. We don’t see it from Johansson because of their style of play, but there’s nothing in his game that suggests he can’t.”
Illan Meslier’s Leeds problem
Meslier’s best form came during his first 18 months as Leeds’ number one when Marcelo Bielsa chose the Frenchman for the latter stages of the promotion campaign, but he has struggled to replicate it, with the exception of the months from January to March this season, when he was back to his best.
However, recent blunders in games may underline the necessity for longer-term quality, but the save against Leicester City showed the Frenchman at his finest. Meslier is also an easy player to balance the books against Profit and Sustainability regulations, giving Leeds an extra reason to sell him in the approaching window.
Given that he is entering the final two years of his contract, they may be willing to offer him a new term or sell, but they can scarcely stop him if a top-flight offer comes his way, and Leeds themselves wish to upgrade.
