Illan Meslier issues emotional farewell after Leeds United exit | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has said an emotional goodbye to Leeds United after leaving at the end of his contract, insisting the club and city will always be part of him. Leeds confirmed last week that the goalkeeper would depart after seven years.

The player said in a post that arriving as a 19-year-old in 2019 he found a club like no other and a fanbase of unmatched passion, adding that Leeds shaped him as both goalkeeper and man. He thanked staff across the club and said it is time for a new challenge, while stressing Leeds will never leave him.

Meslier joined from FC Lorient in 2019, became a Championship title winner and a Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa. He made 215 appearances and kept 72 clean sheets across the Championship and Premier League.

The 26-year-old was dropped by Sam Allardyce during the relegation run-in, then a series of errors saw Karl Darlow take his place last season. He did not feature in 2025/26, behind Darlow and Lucas Perri.

He departs as a two-time champion after promotion-winning campaigns in 2019/20 and 2024/25. He will be remembered as a key part of Bielsa’s side, stepping in for Kiko Casilla before promotion was sealed.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk