Illan Meslier bids emotional farewell after Leeds United exit | OneFootball

Illan Meslier has delivered an emotional farewell after leaving Leeds United at the end of his contract. The player said in a post that the club and the city will always stay with him.

His departure ends a seven-year stay, having arrived from FC Lorient in 2019. He went on to become a Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa.

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

His message thanked coaching and medical staff, team-mates and the many people working at Elland Road and the training ground. He added that it is time to take on a new challenge.

Meslier made 215 Leeds appearances, keeping 72 clean sheets across the Championship and Premier League. He was a key figure under Bielsa, taking over from Kiko Casilla on the run to promotion.

He also contributed to the 2024/25 return to the top flight and departs as a two-time champion.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk