Illan Meslier will never play for Leeds United again after Fabrizio Romano’s news
Leeds United have certainly not enjoyed their finest season in the Premier League, with the Whites simply failing to find any consistency across the campaign.
They have long been involved in a tense relegation battle, with the club currently sitting 19th in the table with just three matches remaining.
Veteran manager Sam Allardyce has been brought in to help Leeds secure their safety for another year, but he started his tenure with a 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Saturday (6 May).
He has been handed the reins and subsequently given complete freedom on how to run things until the end of the season, with the boss making a major statement in his first game in charge by dropping number one goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The decision unsurprisingly angered the 23-year-old, but provided relief for many supporters who had simply had enough of the goalkeeper’s poor displays in recent times.
But Allardyce’s decision may have further consequences for the Frenchman, who might have already played his last match for the Whites.
Joel Robles was chosen over Meslier for the Manchester City clash, and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has now reported that the experienced shot-stopper will continue between the sticks for the last three matches of the season.
Romano added that there are a handful of clubs interested in Robles as his contract at Elland Road is rapidly expiring.
“Joel Robles future will be decided at the end of the season — he’s expected to play the final games of the season after his good performance vs Man City,” Romano posted on Twitter.
“Robles contract expires in June, more than two European clubs are informed on the situation also waiting on Leeds.”
But even if the 32-year-old exits West Yorkshire this summer, there are no assurances that Meslier will stay and regain his place, with the youngster perhaps deciding that a new challenge is necessary.
There may be two reasons for such a scenario, the first being a potential relegation for Leeds, and the second being the fact he was dropped for Robles, who had made just two appearances for the club before the Manchester City encounter.
In August, Meslier was reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United after a fine campaign last time out [Daily Star], and while the Red Devils may not be convinced any longer, there will definitely be a few other clubs willing to take a chance on the 23-year-old.
He may never play for the club again.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have an eye on up to £300million to soften the blow of a potential relegation from the Premier League.