Leeds United Hit with Out-of-Window Transfer Drama: Besiktas Approach for Illan Meslier – Agent Talks Underway!
Leeds United fans, hold onto your seats – the January window slammed shut on Monday, but the transfer merry-go-round refuses to stop for the Whites. Just days after a quiet deadline day that left Elland Road frustrated (only Facundo Buonanotte arrived on loan), Turkish giants Besiktas have made a bold move for Illan Meslier, sparking fresh exit talk for the long-serving goalkeeper.
According to reliable Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Besiktas have officially approached Leeds United regarding the 25-year-old Frenchman. Crucially, they’ve held direct talks with Meslier’s agent as the Super Lig transfer window remains open until February 6, 2026. This is classic out-of-window business – a deal that could still happen despite the Premier League market closing.
Why Meslier? And Why Now?
Meslier has been a Leeds staple since Marcelo Bielsa’s era, making over 200 appearances and earning cult-hero status for his shot-stopping and distribution. But with his contract expiring in summer 2026 and no fresh terms agreed, he’s been openly linked with moves away. Reports from December flagged interest from AC Milan and Inter Milan, while Besiktas eyed him late in the UK window after missing out on Matheus Perri.
Daniel Farke has hinted he’s open to letting the No.1 depart if the right offer arrives – especially with Leeds battling relegation and needing funds/PSR breathing room. Meslier’s situation screams “sell now or lose for free,” and Besiktas smell opportunity. The Istanbul club, chasing a title push in Turkey, see the former Lorient man as a high-caliber upgrade.
This comes after a brutal January for Leeds:
- Only one senior addition (Buonanotte from Brighton/Chelsea loan).
- Failed pursuit of Jorgen Strand Larsen (snapped up by Crystal Palace).
- Deadline-day quiet despite late whispers around strikers and midfielders.
- Defensive woes persisting, with clean sheets hard to come by.
Losing Meslier mid-season would be a massive blow – he’s started every league game this campaign – but it could fund emergency reinforcements in summer or ease financial pressure.
The Fan Pulse: Panic or Pragmatism?
Whites faithful are split. Some see this as smart business: cash in on a player who’s not extending, avoid a Bosman exit. Others fear it leaves the goalkeeping department exposed – backups like Karl Darlow aren’t first-choice material for a relegation scrap.
Is this the beginning of a fire sale, or a savvy reset? Meslier’s departure would mark the end of an era – Bielsa’s last major signing waving goodbye.
Your Turn, Leeds Army – What Do You Think?
Should Leeds cash in on Illan Meslier to Besiktas? Or fight to keep him until summer? Would his exit doom the survival bid, or free up money for a striker in the summer? Drop your hottest take in the comments: Sell now? Hold firm? Predict the fee if it happens!
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Come on Leeds – let’s hear it! MOT! 🔵⚪