Illan Meslier must be fearing the worst as Leeds United transfer news swirls | OneFootball

Illan Meslier's time at Leeds United could be over given the number of goalkeepers linked with a move to Elland Road this summer

Illan Meslier must know that his future at Leeds United is under intense scrutiny ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.

The Frenchman was a key part of Daniel Farke’s side since his arrival as head coach two years ago, but he was dropped unceremoniously after their 2-2 draw with Swansea City in March.

The goalkeeper didn’t play again for the rest of the campaign, leading to speculation over his future.

More fuel has been added to the fire in recent weeks, with a number of alternative first-choice options all being linked with a move to Elland Road, including Caoimhín Kelleher and Angus Gunn.

While Karl Darlow performed solidly as Meslier’s replacement in the final weeks of the campaign, it’s clear that Leeds are looking for something more from their number one ahead of their top flight comeback.

Illan Meslier’s potential replacements

Leeds are being linked with a number of potential new goalkeepers this summer following their promotion.

Rumours began to swirl as early as Feburary when London World wrote that Aaron Ramsdale was on the club's shortlist of potential summer targets.

It was reported by GiveMeSport in March that Kelleher is a potential option, just weeks before Meslier was ultimately dropped.

Football Insider claimed in April following his move to the bench that Norwich City’s Angus Gunn is also on the Yorkshire outfit’s radar.

According to Teamtalk, they are also considering an approach for Chelsea shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic following his impressive loan spell with French side Strasbourg.

There is a lot of smoke surrounding the number one position at Elland Road, which surely means this summer could spell the end of Meslier’s time at the club.

He signed in January 2020 and helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side gain promotion and return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, and was their first-choice in the top flight for most of their three-year stint in the division.

But one too many significant errors led to his dropping, and now surely a loan or permanent sale will follow in the coming months.

Meslier’s time at Leeds is up

The performance against Swansea ironically started quite brightly for Meslier, who saved Josh Tymon’s first-half penalty to keep the game 1-0 in the Whites’ favour.

But he was completely at fault for the first of Swansea’s two goals, and probably should have done more to prevent the second, which led to a disappointing 2-2 draw.

If this had been an isolated incident then perhaps all would have been forgiven, but that wasn’t the case.

That performance may prove to be his last for Leeds, as all the speculation over these potential signings will surely let the 25-year-old know he won’t be getting his spot back in the team any time soon.

And if Meslier isn’t in the starting lineup on a regular basis, then a departure from Elland Road is the only sensible solution.

He is still young and can absolutely make a career for himself as a starting choice elsewhere.

With Darlow in the squad, Leeds will still have a dependable secondary option should he be needed if someone else is signed and Meslier sold.