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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Leeds’ business by all accounts was fascinating this summer.
They moved on some key members of their squad in Pontus Jansson and Kemar Roofe whilst replacing them with little more than loan players.
Of course, a number could become permanent with deals in place for Jack Harrison and Helder Costa next summer but it was perhaps alarming that expenditure was kept at a minimum.
Another of Leeds’ six loans that can become permanent in under a year’s time is Illan Meslier.
The Frenchman arrived at Elland Road on deadline day with quite the reputation.
This was a young stopper linked with Chelsea and Monaco in the past with over 20 appearances in Ligue 2 under his belt.
But despite that, he still hasn’t featured for Leeds’ senior team.
Granted an outing for the U23s a week and a half ago, he kept out a spot-kick but that wasn’t enough to earn him a start against Stoke in the League Cup.
Considering it didn’t have much riding on it, it was perhaps a little bizarre that Marcelo Bielsa chose to stay in favour of Kiko Casilla.
The Spaniard became Leeds’ number one after arriving last January but Meslier wasn’t afforded a chance to play against Salford either.
Given the fact Leeds are now out, a first-team debut may be some time away for the 19-year-old.
It could be that the teenager needs time to adapt to Bielsa’s methods but if he isn’t being trusted in cup action, it seems difficult to see how faith will be placed in him in the Championship anytime soon.
For Meslier, he feels like a rather pointless squad member at the moment.
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One of the main issues for Leeds this season is ensuring they don’t break a rule of having more than five loan players in a single matchday squad.
The Whites currently have six on their books and arguably, their summer arrival from Lorient is keeping Jack Clarke’s role on the bench at bay.
Meslier still has plenty of time to make an impact but with Kamil Miazek still at the club and now 23 years of age, perhaps a greater sense of trust could have been placed in him.
Miazek’s potential feels limited without first-team minutes but it would surely have made more sense if Leeds kept their loan quota to just five players heading into the current term.
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