Illan Meslier sends message to Daniel Farke with Leeds under-21s display | OneFootball

Illan Meslier returned for Leeds United’s under-21s against West Ham on Saturday, saving a penalty in a 3-1 defeat. According to Leeds Live, the outing could be read as a reminder to Daniel Farke of his intent.

The Frenchman has not featured in a first-team squad since the start of December and has not even made the bench since the 3-2 loss at Manchester City in November.

Meslier was central to Leeds’ Championship title in 2024/25. A turbulent Premier League return and high-profile errors last season saw Lucas Perri, signed from Lyon for £15.6million, take the No 1 shirt.

Perri has held the league role and Karl Darlow has handled cups, leaving Meslier to the reserves without a senior outing this term.

He denied Joshua Ajala from the spot, diving low to his left, although the young Whites were beaten 3-1. The academy’s X account described the stop and the early 0-0 scoreline.

Every squad member remains in Farke’s plans, and he rates Meslier’s potential and experience for his age, enjoying working with him day to day.

Injuries and illness have meant all goalkeepers have been needed, there is no plan to change anything, and the depth is welcomed. With his deal up this summer, Meslier’s Leeds future looks uncertain even as he pushes to be noticed.

Source: Leeds Live