James Trafford

Leeds United are set to prioritize replacing Illan Meslier this summer, with the French goalkeeper expected to depart after six years at Elland Road. Despite making 214 appearances since joining on loan from Lorient in 2019, Meslier has struggled for form, leading to his recent drop from the starting XI under Daniel Farke. As his contract runs until June 2026, it’s widely believed that a fresh start is needed for both Meslier and the club.

With Leeds linked to several potential replacements, four English international goalkeepers have emerged as targets, including Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, and Sam Johnstone. Johnstone, currently at Wolves, is being touted as a strong contender, with his Premier League experience and international caps making him a solid choice to take over as Leeds’ new number one. However, questions remain about whether he would be a significant improvement over Meslier, whose form could bounce back. If Leeds are to stay competitive in the Premier League, they may need to invest heavily in a proven goalkeeper or turn their attention to Europe for a more reliable option.