Leeds 'rejected £20million offer' for blunder keeper Illan Meslier before howler
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier made a huge error as his side drew 2-2 with Sunderland on Friday and thee 24-year-old was previously subject of a £20million+ transfer bid
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorLeeds rejected an offer of more than £20million for goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who produced a major howler to gift Sunderland a draw on Friday.
Meslier inexplicably let the ball through his legs after a tame effort from Alan Browne, with Leeds boss Daniel Farke baffled by the mistake. "There was no explanation," he told reporters. "I have 30 years in professional football and lost many points in the last second but in 30 years I have not experienced this.
"The game was over. But it is heartbreaking, horrendous and so so sad. It is tough to take and feels like a loss. It hurt but also I am proud of how the lads delivered. We just need an arm around Illan's shoulder. You don't have to speak, no one wants to hear any words."
The error saw Leeds drop two points and means Sunderland remain two points above them in the race for promotion to the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether Meslier will continue in goal when Leeds host Sheffield United after the international break, with backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow an option.
Meslier has been ever-present for Leeds since making his loan move from Lorient permanent in 2020 and the club's chief executive Angus Kinnear has previously revealed that the 24-year-old was the subject of an offer "in the mid 20s" last summer which Leeds rejected.
Reflecting on the club's transfer business that summer, Kinnear told the Square Ball : "We could've had a very similar picture at Leeds United. We accepted the offer for Tyler [Adams], we could've accepted an offer well in advance of that for Willy [Gnonto] – significantly advanced of that.
"We could've taken an offer for Illan, which would've been in the mid 20s. An offer for [Luis] Sinisterra which would've been at £20 million, and an offer for Pascal Struijk which would've been low teens. So if we would've been in a position where we needed to cash in, we would've done."
Meslier ultimately stayed at Elland Road and the goalkeeper will be desperate to bounce back from his error against Sunderland. And Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris was quick to empathise with Meslier, having previously managed him at Lorient.
"I am disappointed for him because I like this boy," Le Bris said. "Anyone can make a mistake, keeper or striker. It is difficult. We spoke about the action and he said the ball changed direction when the ball hit the ground, and it was surprising. I am happy for us but not happy for him. In the end we deserved the draw even if the goal was lucky. The fans can feel even if it is not perfect, we try until the end and have the energy of the fans and we deserved that goal."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.