'Needs a fresh start' – Phil Hay delivers verdict on Illan Meslier's future at Leeds United
24/04/2025 04:14
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier may need ‘a fresh start’ after losing his starting spot, Phil Hay has said.
Leeds United are heading for the Premier League after winning promotion on Easter Monday. LUFC rise from the Championship at the second time of asking, avoiding the uncertainty of the play-offs this time around.
The Whites did their part by thumping Stoke City 6-0 before Burnley’s win over Sheffield United secured a top-two finish for themselves and the Elland Road outfit.
The focus now turns to winning the title, but many are looking at a crucial summer transfer window that lays beyond that. Several positions need to be strengthened in Daniel Farke’s squad, and the growing feeling is that a new number one will be targeted.
Leeds United boss Farke dropped Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow in the run-in due to poor form, and many feel the time has come for a new ‘keeper and for Meslier to head for pastures new. One man who reflects this sentiment is The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
Former LUFC reporter Hay said on the news outlet’s podcast that he feels the Frenchman is ‘done’ at Elland Road and could benefit from a fresh start. He said:
“Meslier, I struggle to see being first choice at Leeds again.
“I might be wrong. But the way in which it has happened this season, dropping out of the team on the back of two or three years of downward spiral.
“It makes you think he needs a fresh start and Leeds need to go after a new first-choice goalkeeper. I’d be really surprised if they don’t. I feel like he’s done.”
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