Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Leeds name Illan Meslier asking price with star one of three tipped for instant exits in event of relegation

Illan Meslier, Leeds United, February 2023

Leeds United have reportedly put a £30million price tag on goalkeeper Illan Meslier, as the star is one of three men who could leave in the event of relegation.

Meslier has not missed a minute of Premier League action for the Whites this season. In fact, he’s only missed 35 minutes of top-flight action over the past couple of seasons.

That suggests he’s one of the club’s most cherished assets. While managers have come and gone over the past couple of seasons, he has remained at the forefront of the minds of each.

While he has kept just five clean sheets this season, that’s an indictment of the tough spot the side finds themselves in. Leeds are currently 19th in the Premier League, two points above bottom-side Southampton, but also only one point from safety.

As such, things could change quickly, and there’s no telling whether or not they’ll be able to stay afloat.

They managed it by the skin of their teeth last season, finishing three points above Burnley in the final drop spot.

If they are to go down this term, though, that could spell the end of Meslier’s time at Elland Road.

Indeed, Football Insider reports the goalkeeper is one of three Whites stars that are ‘expected to leave’ if they go down.

Leeds place £30million valuation on Meslier

Alongside the goalkeeper are Jack Harrison and Robin Koch. After Meslier, Koch has played the most minutes for the club this season, and other than that pair, only Tyler Adams has featured more often than Harrison.

As such, it would be a big blow for the Whites to lose any of that trio.

With that being said, they’ll want to be compensated well if any of them are to leave. Leeds have reportedly placed a £30million valuation on Meslier.

It’s suggested that is a ‘reflection of his consistent excellence and potential to further develop’.

That he’s under contract until 2026 means they are in a good position when it comes to selling. However, they’ll also know he, along with the other stars, will be in high demand if they are to go down, and won’t be able to say no to the sales.

The fact good money will be coming in will be the only upside to them going down.

Whites have to stay afloat

Staying afloat is a must, considering they’ll lose three of their most important assets if not. Meslier is already a fantastic goalkeeper, and given he’s just 23 years of age, could develop into one of the best in the Premier League.

Koch’s reliability in a number of different positions means he’d also be a massive loss.

Potentially the biggest loss, though, would be Harrison. In two seasons in the Premier League before this term, he’d scored 16 goals and provided nine assists. This season, he’s scored twice and assisted six times.

Leeds are clearly aware of the quality he possesses and the value he adds to their team. Indeed, they stopped a move – reported to be for £20million – to Leicester City in its tracks in January to keep him at the club and attempt to tie him down to a new deal.

That deal is running out in 2024, and any chance of keeping him at the club will rely on their survival in the top flight.

The Whites will hope they can do so, or they’ll have to rebuild, and it could take some time to find the sort of quality options they have now again.

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