Leeds United handed transfer surprise following closure of summer window
Although Leeds United experienced a moderately significant shift over the summer, they didn’t acquire nearly as many players as they may have.
Many of its stars were being pursued by elite teams in high-stakes transfers, but Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville remained at Elland Road when the transfer window ended.
The majority of the first-team exits from West Yorkshire left on loan terms, with Tyler Adams’ transfer to Bournemouth being the sole significant money-maker for United. United received an initial price tag of roughly £23 million for the American midfielder.
Illan Meslier was a popular issue in the transfer rumors this summer, but he is still a member of the Leeds team.
In addition, Daniel Farke’s roster was restocked with players like Djed Spence, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Glen Kamara, to mention a few. This group comprised Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, and Jack Harrison.
Illan Meslier, who has long been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers, is one unexpected name that is still with the team after last Friday’s transfer deadline.
What was Leeds United’s stance on Illan Meslier’s future?
The 23-year-old joined Leeds in 2019 as a teenager from Lorient, originally on loan. Despite making only 11 appearances in his rookie year, he was signed on a permanent basis by the French club.
Although there were instances when the Frenchman made mistakes, Meslier’s Premier League performances for Leeds were generally encouraging. As a result, Sam Allardyce substituted Joel Robles with Meslier at the tail end of the previous season.
However, major teams have been associated with Meslier for some time, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and even Real Madrid showing interest.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has all but confirmed the long-held belief that Leeds would sell this summer for the right price.
Meslier was expected to leave Elland Road during the summer transfer window, according to Hay, with reports in the final few weeks suggesting that bids between £20 million and £25 million would be taken into account.
Did any late interest emerge in Illan Meslier?
Meslier, who began the season as Farke’s first-choice goalie despite Newcastle United’s purchase of Karl Darlow, will now appear to stay in goal after no appropriate bids for him materialized.
Though it was a far cry from the Man Uniteds and Real Madrids of the footballing world, one team in particular made some sort of effort for Meslier.
Celta Vigo, a La Liga team, allegedly expressed interest in Meslier, according to The Athletic, but Rafa Benitez’s team never made an actual bid.
Mesliar will so stay at Leeds until at least January, when the transfer window reopens, to Leeds’ astonishment, as he is still a member of the team.
Should Leeds look to cash in on Illan Meslier in January?
Depending on Leeds’ place in the league standings, they may have a decision to make over Meslier’s future in a few months time.
Should they be obviously in an automatic promotion challenge and Meslier is playing well, then they should probably maintain hold of the Frenchman at all costs.
The Championship can be unpredictable, so if Leeds are having trouble, they might be better off selling Meslier for a respectable eight-figure sum and using some of that money to buy a new goalkeeper.
