Illan Meslier posts emotional farewell as Leeds United exit confirmed after contract expiry | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has bid farewell to Leeds United following his summer exit, stating the club and city will always be part of him. The player said in a post that his time at Elland Road has shaped him on and off the pitch.

His departure was announced last week after his contract expired, ending a seven-year spell. The French goalkeeper joined from FC Lorient in 2019 and became a Championship title winner and Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa.

The later years proved difficult, as the 26-year-old was dropped by Sam Allardyce during the relegation run-in, then a series of errors saw him replaced by Karl Darlow last season. He did not feature at all in 2025/26, sitting behind Darlow and Lucas Perri.

The message reflected on arriving as a 19-year-old, thanked coaching and medical staff and the people at the stadium and training ground. It looked ahead to a new challenge, signing off with Marching On Together.

Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds, keeping 72 clean sheets across the Championship and Premier League. He remains a key figure of Bielsa’s side, having stepped in for Kiko Casilla before promotion was sealed.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk