“World-class” Leeds United star ‘open’ to leaving Elland Road amid interest from Besiktas

Leeds United wrapped up the January transfer window with minimal activity.

Jack Harrison departed on loan to Fiorentina, while the club’s only incoming signing was Facundo Buonanotte, who joined on loan from Brighton after spending the first half of the season at Chelsea.

Even though the UK window has now closed, other European transfer windows remain open—and one player could be on the move.

Besiktas are reportedly planning a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier this week.

The Turkish transfer window stays open until Friday, giving the Black Eagles a chance to secure the Frenchman.

According to the Daily Mail, Besiktas are targeting Meslier—once described as “world-class” by former Wales international Robbie Savage—after their approach for Lucas Perri was rejected by Leeds last week.

Meslier, 25, is said to be open to the move after falling to third-choice this season behind Perri and Karl Darlow. With his contract expiring in June, Besiktas could sign him for a nominal fee.

Once one of Leeds United’s brightest stars, Meslier has seen his Elland Road story quietly unravel.

From commanding the box and earning lofty praise to dropping down the pecking order, the 25-year-old is now looking for a new challenge. Besiktas could offer him a chance to rediscover his form and confidence—and perhaps write a far more memorable chapter than the muted end to his spell in England.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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