Illan Meslier breaks Leeds United exit silence with emotional goodbye statement — YEP 13/6/26

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By Kyle Newbould

The Leeds United goalkeeper's exit was confirmed last week with his contract expiring this summer.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier insists the club and city will remain a part of who he is following this summer’s exit.

The club confirmed last week that Meslier would depart Elland Road following the expiration of his contract, calling time on a seven-year spell. The Frenchman joined from FC Lorient in 2019 and went on to be a Championship title-winner and Premier League regular under Marcelo Bielsa.

Meslier’s last few years at Leeds have been difficult, however, with the 26-year-old dropped by Sam Allardyce on the way to relegation before a litany of errors saw him replaced by Karl Darlow last season. The shot-stopper didn’t play a single game during the 2025/26 campaign, sitting behind Darlow and Lucas Perri.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Meslier wrote: “I just wanted to take a moment to send this farewell message to every single Leeds United fan. When I arrived at this club in 2019 as a 19-year-old kid, I had no idea what was ahead of me. What I found was a club like no other, a fanbase with a passion that is truly unmatched, and a place that has shaped me into the goalkeeper and the man I am today.

“I would like to thank all the coaching staff, medical staff and players who have been part of this journey. And also the people at the stadium and the training ground who have been amazing with me from day one to the last day.

“After seven years, the time has come to take on a new challenge and step into a new chapter of my career. Leeds will never leave me. This city, this club, this shirt ; it’s part of who I am now and always will be. Thank you for everything. Marching On Together, always.”

Leeds statement on Meslier exit

Meslier made 215 appearances for Leeds, keeping 72 clean sheets across the Championship and Premier League. While the goalkeeper’s recent years have been tough, he will be remembered as a key part of Bielsa’s side, having stepped in for Kiko Casilla before promotion was sealed.

A Leeds statement confirming Meslier’s exit last week said: "Leeds United can confirm Illan Meslier will leave the club this summer, upon the expiration of his contract at Elland Road.

“The goalkeeper played a big part in the club’s promotion winning campaigns to the Premier League in both 2019/20 and 2024/25 and departs as a two-time champion. He will always be part of our proud history.

"Throughout Meslier's time in West Yorkshire he remained a strong team-mate and a constant competitor on the pitch."

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