Leeds weigh goalkeeper calls with Meslier set for free summer exit | OneFootball

Leeds must make decisions on their goalkeepers, and one appears clear, with Illan Meslier set to leave for nothing this summer. According to Leeds Live, four players are in the final six months of their deals and can sign pre-contracts overseas.

Meslier had offers last summer but stayed, and a January move was unlikely given his lack of minutes and a free move ahead. He will not be handed a new deal unless something disastrous happens and is likely to depart for nothing.

Karl Darlow is back as number one after Lucas Perri’s demotion, despite Perri being signed as an upgrade. In Daniel Farke’s view, Darlow was not the ideal answer and errors against Arsenal reinforced that impression. He suggested last month that goalkeeper upgrades were needed.

Leeds are unlikely to offload Perri for a PSR loss and it is hard to see anyone paying more than the £16m fee. Darlow probably would not want to be third choice next season.

Sam Byram is set to go this summer after seven Premier League minutes all season and 84 in total, with four since late August. Handed a 12-month deal last summer amid full-back uncertainty, he is usually outside the squad when everyone is fit.

Alex Cairns warms up the goalkeepers despite being fourth choice and is valued for his influence on morale. If Darlow will not accept a third-choice role and with Meslier going, Cairns could get a new deal to help the homegrown quota, though Leeds might also pass.

Source: Leeds Live