Leeds United are having a very busy summer in the transfer market as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side have already spent more than £70 million to strengthen the team, with big names like Dominic Calvert-Lewin arriving from Everton on a free transfer.
But while new players are joining Elland Road, one long-serving figure could now be heading out.
Meslier linked with return to Lorient
Reports in France suggest goalkeeper Illan Meslier might leave Leeds United and return to his boyhood club, FC Lorient.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the French side have already spoken with Leeds about the possible conditions of a transfer.
Meslier was born in Lorient and started his career there as a nine-year-old.
He came through their youth system and even made 30 first-team appearances before Leeds signed him, first on loan and then permanently.
Now, with Lorient short of goalkeepers, a return to his hometown could be on the cards.
Lorient already signed Bingourou Kamara earlier this summer and still have veteran Benjamin Leroy, but they need more quality and depth in goal.
If Meslier does sign, he could walk straight into the starting spot.
skysports.com
Decline at Leeds United
Meslier has struggled in recent years and is no longer the first-choice keeper at Leeds.
During pre-season, he was already playing second fiddle to Karl Darlow, and his situation got even worse when the club signed Lucas Perri.
His performances last season raised plenty of concerns. The Frenchman conceded more goals than expected, underperforming his xG faced by almost three goals.
He also made costly errors that directly led to goals on three occasions, one of the worst records in the league.
His distribution was another problem. Only 27.3% of his long balls found a teammate, putting him among the weakest goalkeepers in the division for passing accuracy.
In contrast, new signing Perri showed stronger numbers, often saving shots that were expected to be goals and conceding fewer than the stats predicted.
Time for a fresh start?
At just 24 years old, Meslier still has plenty of time to rebuild his career. A move back to Lorient, where he grew up and first made his name, could give him the confidence and fresh start he needs.
For Leeds, moving him on may also make sense as the club now have stronger options in goal.
It looks unlikely Meslier will reclaim the No.1 shirt at Elland Road.
With Darlow and Perri ahead of him, and Farke looking to build a team ready to fight in the Premier League, a transfer seems the best outcome for both the player and the club.
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