Leeds United’s major objective during the January transfer window will be to keep their key players at Elland Road for the remainder of the season.
Daniel Farke‘s side has a better chance of winning automatic promotion than they did a year ago, and replacing key players in the middle of the season will further complicate matters.
Farke wants Leeds to have a quiet January, but as long as they are in the Championship, clubs from higher divisions will continue to look at their players.
Max Wober is one example of this, with his previous club Red Bull Salzburg eager to bring him back to Austria following a poor start to the season.
Wober, on the other hand, appears to be on the verge of breaking into the starting lineup after putting in strong performances against Derby County and Middlesbrough.
Carlton Palmer informs Leeds what to do with Meslier.
Wober isn’t the only senior Leeds player coveted by a club in one of Europe’s major divisions; Illan Meslier is also on the list.
Rennes are interested in Meslier ahead of the January transfer window, having recruited Glen Kamara from Leeds in the summer.
Rennes are willing to pay £15 million for Meslier, which would force Leeds to make a decision given that he only has 18 months left on his deal.
Given Meslier’s inconsistent play this season, goalkeeper is undoubtedly a position that might benefit from improvement at Leeds, although January is unlikely to be the time.
Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer has spoken to Football League World about allegations linking Meslier with a departure, and says the 49ers should not entertain offers below £20 million-£25 million for a player who is ‘happy at the club’.
He said: “Leeds United’s young, gifted goalkeeper Illan Meslier, 24, is receiving interest from Ligue 1 club Rennes. There will always be whispers and talk about players leaving, especially when the club is performing as well as it is, and he has been great.
“He has recovered from his blunder against Sunderland to keep seven clean sheets since then; he is a superb goalkeeper. But he’s believed to be really happy with Leeds United.
“He is sure that he wants to assist Leeds United return to the Premier League this season, and they are on track to do so, so I do not believe Leeds United should cash in during the transfer window. I truly don’t, unless they get a ludicrous deal for the guy.
“I would believe for a young kid who’s incredibly gifted and would most likely go on to be the number one French goalkeeper, they’ll want at least £20m-£25m if they let him go.
“But if they return to the Premier League next season, I’m sure Meslier will be thrilled to play there. So, I don’t think they should cash in, but as we’ve seen before, if Leeds improve, they won’t have to worry about Financial Fair Play or anything else.
“Obviously, if they do not get promoted this season, they will want to sell, but we’ll have to wait and see. I do not think they should cash in on him during the January transfer window.
“They’re going great guns at the moment and there’s no need for them to sell, and I don’t believe they need to sell anybody else at this moment in time.”
Graeme Bailey provides the latest on Meslier’s Leeds future.
As talk increases that Meslier would leave Leeds, LeedsUnited.News spoke exclusively with transfer expert Graeme Bailey to get the latest.
Bailey describes Meslier as a’very highly respected’ player in his native France, but the summer appears to be the period when a decision on his future is made.
He stated, “He is highly appreciated in France. Meslier has set his sights on the World Cup squad in 2026. If Leeds does not get promoted, he will quit. I doubt any Leeds fans will want to stand in his path.
“If they return to the Premier League, Meslier will be a player to watch. He will not leave in January. They’re not in the business of selling in January, unless it’s to bring in another.
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