Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is facing intense criticism for his performance in the team’s 3-3 draw against Hull City on Saturday. The Frenchman was blamed for his role in all three of Hull’s goals, which has led to calls for a change in goal for the remainder of the season. The criticism of Meslier is not new, as he has been under scrutiny for his inconsistent performances throughout the season. However, the mistakes he made against Hull City have brought the issue to a boiling point, with many fans and pundits calling for him to be replaced.
The situation with Meslier is complex, and it’s not just about his performances on the pitch. The goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Manchester United, with reports suggesting that United manager Ruben Amorim is looking for a second-choice goalkeeper behind Andre Onana. Meslier’s value has dropped significantly in recent months, from a peak of €22 million (£18.26m) in November 2022 to a current value of €16 million (£13.28m). This decrease in value is likely due to his inconsistent performances, including his recent mistakes against Hull City.
The fact that Meslier has only 18 months remaining on his contract at Elland Road will also impact how much Leeds can demand for him if they do receive interest from other clubs. When a player’s contract is running down, their value tends to decrease, as they have less time to contribute to the team and their future is uncertain. This is why Leeds may be eager to sell Meslier, even if it’s for a lower fee than they would have gotten if they had sold him earlier.
However, Meslier is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, and he has time to improve and increase his value. Goalkeepers often peak later in their careers than outfield players, and Meslier is still only 24 years old. With the right coaching and training, he could still develop into a top-class goalkeeper. But for now, his inconsistent performances are a concern, and Leeds may be looking to bring in a new goalkeeper to replace him.
The pressure is on Meslier to perform well and prove himself as a reliable goalkeeper. If he is unable to do so, it’s likely that Leeds will consider bringing in a new goalkeeper to replace him. The team is pushing for promotion, and they need a goalkeeper who can help them achieve their goals. If Meslier is unable to do so, he may find himself out of the team and potentially out of the club.
Manager Daniel Farke’s comments suggest that he is not willing to make any rash decisions about Meslier’s future. Farke stated that goalkeepers are not changed quickly, and that finger-pointing is not productive immediately after a game. This suggests that Farke is willing to give Meslier time to improve and prove himself, but he will also be considering other options.
The situation with Meslier is a microcosm of the challenges that Leeds face in their push for promotion. The team has been inconsistent this season, and they need to find a way to put together a run of good results if they are going to achieve their goals. The goalkeeper position is a key one, and Leeds need to make sure they have a reliable goalkeeper who can help them win games.
In the meantime, Meslier will have the opportunity to prove himself as a key player for the team. If he is able to perform well and help Leeds achieve their goals, it’s likely that his value will increase and he will be able to secure a new contract with the club. However, if he is unable to do so, it’s possible that he will be sold or replaced by a new goalkeeper. The situation with Meslier is complex, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the coming weeks.
The transfer market is always unpredictable, and it’s difficult to know what will happen with Meslier’s future. However, one thing is certain – the situation with Meslier will be closely watched by Leeds fans and the media, and any developments will be widely reported. The next few weeks will be crucial for Meslier, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to the criticism and pressure that he is currently facing.
In conclusion, the situation with Meslier is complex and multifaceted. The goalkeeper’s inconsistent performances have led to criticism and calls for him to be replaced, but he still has time to improve and increase his value. The fact that he has been linked with a move to Manchester United and has only 18 months remaining on his contract at Elland Road adds to the complexity of the situation. Leeds need to make a decision about Meslier’s future, and it will be interesting to see how they choose to proceed. Will they give him time to improve, or will they bring in a new goalkeeper to replace him? Only time will tell.