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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could be on the verge of an unexpected exit from Elland Road, with reports claiming his representatives have already opened discussions over a swift move abroad before transfer windows close elsewhere in Europe.
The French stopper, signed from Lorient for around £5.1m during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, has endured a dramatic downturn in his Leeds career. Once an ever-present figure with more than 200 appearances for the Whites, Meslier has not featured at senior level since being dropped by head coach Daniel Farke last March. Since then, he has slipped down the pecking order and is now considered third choice, behind Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri.
After nearly a year without first-team football, Meslier is understood to be eager to relaunch his career. With his contract at Elland Road set to expire in just under five months, the 25-year-old is edging closer to free-agent status and is attracting interest from multiple clubs across Europe. Sources indicate sides in France, Italy and Scotland have all been monitoring his situation closely.
Despite expectations that Meslier would wait until the summer to secure a move with greater freedom and bargaining power, a surprise opportunity has now emerged. While the English transfer window is shut, markets remain open in several countries — including Turkey — and that has opened the door to a potential immediate departure.
According to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Super Lig giants Besiktas have already held talks with Meslier’s camp to assess the possibility of bringing him to Istanbul right away. The club are actively searching for a new goalkeeper and have discussed both financial terms and the structure of a possible deal with his representatives.
Leeds are believed to be open to letting Meslier leave for a minimal fee, given the short time remaining on his contract. That stance has encouraged Besiktas, who feel acting now gives them a stronger chance of landing the Frenchman rather than waiting until he becomes a free agent in the summer.
However, Meslier is far from short of alternatives. His former club Lorient, Scottish champions Celtic and Italian heavyweights Inter Milan have all been linked with interest. Inter, though, are thought to view him more as competition rather than a guaranteed first-choice option. Any of those clubs would likely need to wait until July to make their move.
From Leeds’ perspective, there has been no rush to force Meslier out. Despite his lack of minutes, he has continued to attend matchdays, support teammates and maintain a professional attitude — something Farke and the coaching staff have publicly praised.
Interestingly, Besiktas only turned their attention to Meslier after failing in an earlier approach for another Leeds goalkeeper. The Turkish side had enquired about Lucas Perri last week, but Leeds swiftly rejected any suggestion of a sale. Perri, who arrived from Lyon in a £13.9m deal last summer, has recently lost his starting place but remains part of Leeds’ plans.
As things stand, Meslier’s future remains finely balanced. With interest mounting and overseas deadlines approaching, a late escape route from Elland Road could yet materialise — offering the once-undisputed Leeds No.1 a much-needed fresh start.
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