Lille Weigh Up Move for Ex-Leeds No.1 Illan Meslier on Free Transfer

French side Lille are interested in signing former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier after his release from Elland Road, with the Ligue 1 club exploring a move for the experienced free agent this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Meslier became available this week after Leeds confirmed he would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June, bringing the curtain down on a successful seven-year spell in West Yorkshire.

The 26-year-old leaves Leeds having made 215 appearances in all competitions, including 200 league outings, and having played a major role in helping the Whites win promotion to the Premier League on two occasions.

Meslier began his career with French side FC Lorient before making the move to England in 2019, initially joining Leeds on loan. 

The deal was made permanent a year later, and he quickly established himself as one of the brightest young goalkeepers in English football.

Now, SportsBoom has learnt Lille are keen on the former France Under-21 international, who has represented his country at various age-group levels but is still waiting for his first senior call-up. 

ATTRACTIVE 

The Ligue 1 outfit believes the goalkeeper's experience and potential make him an attractive option as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Meslier first broke into the Leeds side during the club's promotion-winning season in 2019-20 and remained the club's undisputed No.1 for the next five years. 

He was a regular throughout three Premier League campaigns between 2020 and 2023 before helping Leeds earn an immediate return to the top flight after two seasons back in the Championship.

At one stage, Meslier appeared destined to spend the prime years of his career at Elland Road. However, his fortunes changed under manager Daniel Farke after a series of costly mistakes raised questions about his long-term future.

His final appearance for Leeds came in a 2-2 draw against Swansea City in March 2025, when he was heavily criticised for his role in both opposition goals. The performance proved to be his last in a Leeds shirt.

FRUSTRATING

Meslier never regained his place and endured a frustrating final season at the club. Despite Leeds returning to the Premier League, the Frenchman failed to make a single top-flight appearance and was named among the substitutes on just five occasions as he slipped down the pecking order.

Despite that disappointing ending, Meslier remains highly regarded in his homeland. Still only 26, he combines significant top-level experience with plenty of years ahead of him, making him an appealing proposition for clubs seeking value in the transfer market.

For Lille, the opportunity to sign a goalkeeper with more than 200 senior appearances and extensive Premier League experience without paying a transfer fee is one that is difficult to ignore.

And after an unhappy final chapter at Leeds, Meslier could now be set for a fresh start back in France, with Lille leading the race to secure one of the summer's most intriguing free-agent signings.