Leeds United: Condition that would see Illan Meslier depart in 2025 revealed | OneFootball

Graeme Bailey believes Meslier could potentially be set for an exit during the next summer transfer window.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier will leave Elland Road at the end of the season if his side aren't promoted.

This is according to Graeme Bailey, who revealed this update to Leeds United News.

The shot-stopper was one of a number of key first-teamers who could have left Elland Road during the previous window, following the Whites' failure to secure a Premier League return at the first time of asking.

Leeds had to balance the books after missing out on this top-flight return - and quite a few key men departed West Yorkshire.

Crysencio Summerville, who was a key player on the left wing during the 2023/24 campaign and a goalscoring machine, ended up securing a move to West Ham United.

Georginio Rutter was able to seal a top-tier return with Brighton and Hove Albion - and Archie Gray and Glen Kamara also left for top-level football.

These exits could have been detrimental for the Whites this term, but they were able to recruit some top-quality players to replace those who had left, and they have been able to retain a place in the promotion mix.

Only behind Sheffield United in the Championship table at this point, Daniel Farke's side are giving themselves a good chance of being involved in a race for the top two at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Graeme Bailey drops verdict on Illan Meslier's Leeds United future

Meslier sees his contract expire in 2026 and with this in mind, Leeds may need to sell him next summer if he isn't willing to put pen to paper on a deal.

Bailey believes he will leave if the Whites aren't promoted at the end of the season.

He told Leeds United News: "He’s very highly regarded in France. Meslier has got his eyes on the World Cup squad in 2026.

"If Leeds don’t get promoted, he will leave. I don’t think any Leeds fans will want to stand in his way.

"Meslier is one that if they go back to the Premier League, we will see.

"He won’t leave in January. They aren’t in the business of selling in January, unless it’s the business of selling one to bring another in."

Leeds United should be lining up replacements in the coming months

Losing Meslier would be a blow - but Leeds can mitigate the effects of this by lining up targets.

If they can line up some targets, they can then form a shortlist of players who could step up and be an adequate replacement for the Frenchman.

Ideally, the Whites will go up and they won't have to replace him, which would allow them to focus on strengthening other areas.

However, they always need to be prepared for the departures of key players.

And Meslier is someone who will have to be replaced if he goes, even though Karl Darlow is a decent backup option when he's fit.