When information about Illan Meslier’s new contract demands at Leeds United becomes available, the 49ers Enterprises may need to consider selling him the following summer.
Although the 24-year-old’s contract at Elland Road is set to expire in the summer of 2026, it seems that the goalkeeper is making plans for life after Leeds in the event that they are not able to advance to the Premier League this year.
Ben Jacobs [7 September] reports that Meslier wants to sign a new contract with the Whites that contains a departure clause in the event that Daniel Farke’s team is forced to play in the Championship for a third season.
Since joining the German team last summer, the French goalkeeper has been a crucial member of the team, but the 49ers can’t let one of their own players control the team.
Leeds has a deal with him through 2026. His only practical option, should the worst happen and the Whites lose out on promotion once more, is to be sold, which doesn’t seem plausible unless he starts refusing to play.
Following the release clause change, Illan Meslier may ultimately be sold by Leeds United.
After making 170 appearances since agreeing to a long-term contract in the summer of 2020, opinions of Meslier’s tenure at Elland Road are wildly divided.