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Leicester City have mooted a deal for a Leeds United figure, but his performances in 2024/25 prove why it would be a mistaken move.
Relegation from the Premier League to the Championship has prompted a testing summer at Leicester City.
Ruud van Nistelrooy left Leicester, and former QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes was installed as his successor.
Cifuentes was unveiled by Leicester earlier this month, and now the Spaniard’s attention has turned to the summer transfer window, with the Foxes headlines dominated by potential outgoings.
As Cifuentes faces several high-profile exits during his first weeks in charge at the King Power Stadium, a surprising move for a Leeds United figure has been “discussed”.
However, those talks surely should not materialise if Leicester want an instant promotion next season.
Leicester City ‘discuss’ move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Leeds won the Championship title last season, finishing on 100 points alongside Burnley, but finishing first on goal difference.
Despite Daniel Farke’s side winning the second tier title, goalkeeper Illan Meslier endured a difficult campaign, with his shot-stopping ability marred by headline-grabbing mistakes.
Amid a turgid run of form, Farke dropped the 25-year-old towards the end of the season, thrusting Karl Darlow back into the Leeds squad for their trip to Luton Town.
Farke told Sky Sports in April: “There have been a few incidents where we thought he could have done better. Of course, he’s disappointed he won’t start. He will have one or two days to suffer, but then he has to be ready.”
Now, in a surprising transfer twist, reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed that Leicester have “discussed” signing Meslier.
The news comes at the same time EFL Analysis revealed that West Ham want Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, which could therefore see the Frenchman replace the Foxes shot-stopper if the moves materialise.
Asmir Begovic is close to a Leicester reunion, with the Foxes in talks over a free transfer.
Jacobs told talkSport: “Leicester are advancing on a veteran goalkeeper in Asmir Begovic, who’s going to be available on a free transfer.
“They’ve discussed Illan Meslier at Leeds, who might be available because he didn’t finish particularly strongly last season in the Championship. So, Leeds could be looking for a number one goalkeeper as well.”
When analysing Meslier’s performances, with one “big mistake” at the forefront, it highlights why the Foxes must dodge signing the Leeds number one.
Illan Meslier’s mistakes for Leeds United show why Leicester City must dodge move
Despite helping Leeds earn promotion back to the top flight, Meslier’s 2024/25 campaign will always be marred by major mistakes.
Notably, his howler in the 96th minute against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, when he gifted Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats a late point after a mishit Alan Browne cross shockingly went through his legs.
Back in October Le Bris, Meslier’s former coach at FC Lorient, said via Leeds Live after the 2-2 draw: “I’m disappointed for him,
“I like this boy, and I like the goalkeeper as well. Everyone on the pitch can make a mistake. For a goalkeeper and a striker, when you make a big mistake, the consequences are very important.”
“It happened today, we’re happy for the final result because it was a tough game against a strong team.”
With Leicester aiming for an instant return to the top flight, in what could be the best Championship season yet, new Foxes boss Cifuentes can’t afford to replace Hermansen with Meslier.
Downgrading from the Dane to the Leeds keeper, who has a proven track record in making consistent, costly errors, could put the prospects of Cifuentes’ maiden Foxes campaign in serious jeopardy.