Leeds United are reportedly looking at a deal for a Championship player ahead of the summer and it might be a sign The 49ers are planning for life without one of Daniel Farke’s key players.
Farke is already said to have met with The 49ers to discuss the summer and what Leeds want that to look like. The 49ers are said to have told the Elland Road boss that if promoted, no bids would be accepted.
But if the club fail to get promoted which is a real possibility at this stage after the 4-0 loss to QPR, there could be a number of Leeds players that decide to move on to pastures new. Illan Meslier being one.
Last summer, it took The Frenchman a while to declare that he would be staying put at Elland Road. His silence on social media was deafening when others committed themselves or decided to leave Leeds.
Reports say that Leeds had expected Meslier to move on with La Liga side Celta Vigo interested in a move for the France U21 stopper. Meslier has since kept 19 clean sheets in 42 Championship appearances.
But now, Leeds are interested in signing a new goalkeeper and it might be a side that The 49ers are putting together a contingency plan in case Meslier does decide to go in the form of Viktor Johansson.
Leeds eyeing bargain £1m deal for Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson
Reports from his home country claim that Johansson is a target for Leeds ahead of the summer window. Rotherham have been relegated to League One and that has activated a £1m exit clause in his contract.
Former Leeds manager Steve Evans, who has returned to Rotherham for his second spell at the Yorkshire side, has said that Johansson will leave in the summer and it will be a “life-changing” move for him.
Johansson has starred Rotherham over the last four years, clocking up 143 appearances. Last season, the Sweden international was crowned both Player of the Season and Players’ Player at his current club.
Johansson interest is surely a sign Meslier could leave Leeds
If Leeds go up – whether that be finished second against the odds, or winning the play-offs – then it is more than likely that Meslier stays. Even if wanted to go, The 49ers would reject bids for his services.
However, should Leeds fail in their quest to get back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, then you would have to expect Meslier to be one of the players Leeds look to sell come the summer.
Inters in Johansson is certainly proof that The 49ers are considering the sale of Meslier and are aware that it is a possibility should Leeds fail. If the “phenomenal” Meslier does go, Johansson is a top replacement.