Leeds hold fresh talks to sign “outstanding” Meslier upgrade

With pre-season approaching, Leeds United have now reportedly held talks to sign a much-needed Illan Meslier upgrade who could yet arrive in a cut-price deal.

Had Daniel Farke not dropped Meslier at the end of last season, Leeds may have been forced to gain promotion through the play-offs rather than courtesy of an impressive title win. As Sheffield United found out the hard way, there are no guarantees in the play-offs and whilst that Meslier verdict may seem harsh, the Frenchman was proving to be far too costly at Elland Road.

In fact, according to Planet Football, the 25-year-old had already cost the Whites 10 points by the time that April arrived last season, which forced Daniel Farke to drop his No.1 in favour of the experienced Karl Darlow. From that point onwards, Leeds marched towards convincing promotion. But Darlow is certainly not a permanent solution at 34 years old.

Instead, the 49ers must invest in a new No.1, especially with reports suggesting that they could be about to cash-in on the struggling Meslier courtesy of Fenerbahce.

After dropping Meslier last season, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.

“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”

Now, as the German manager prepares to take his side into the Premier League, he could finally have the chance to welcome an instant upgrade on the Frenchman.

Leeds hold talks to sign Lucas Perri

According to The Guardian, Leeds have now held talks to sign Lucas Perri, who could be allowed to leave Lyon at a cut-price amid their financial turmoil. The French club will drop into Ligue 2 if they fail with in an appeal against financial sanctions and that is likely to result in an exodus of star players below their valuations.

Potentially among those, Perri would be the perfect solution for Leeds’ goalkeeper problem. After arriving January of 2024, the Brazilian instantly took Anthony Lopes’ starting place and didn’t look back. Now, 18 months on, he could hand Meslier the same fate at Elland Road.

Dubbed “outstanding” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, Perri outperformed Meslier in a number of areas last season and crucially made fewer errors leading to shots.

At a bargain price, the shot-stopper would be an excellent addition to Farke’s side to hand the German the reliable No.1 that he has desperately needed.