Daniel Farke is going to have to face the reality of losing some key players from his Leeds United squad this summer.
Farke‘s first season in charge at Elland Road will ultimately be regarded as a failure after being unable to guide Leeds back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Paraag Marathe has already given his backing to Farke but he will have to put together another promotion push without some of his best players from last season.
Crysencio Summerville, the Championship POTS, has been deemed the most likely to go, with Leeds reportedly showing little determination behind-the-scenes to keep him.
Other big names to have been linked with exits include Archie Gray and Willy Gnonto, while there is also no guarantee key centre-back Joe Rodon will be returning after his loan spell.
Journalist shares key update on Illan Meslier’s Leeds future
Leeds fans will certainly be hoping they can get away with two big sales at the most this summer so their entire squad isn’t ripped apart.
There are some names supporters would be more open to losing than others, and it would be fair to say that Gray is the one no one wants to see go.
On the other hand, there would be considerably less opposition to someone like Illan Meslier being sold, who has been linked with a move to Marseille this week.
Meslier is open to a move to the South of France and Leeds are said to have set an asking price of £20 million, which would represent a significant profit on what they paid for him.
And speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, journalist Graeme Bailey says he has ‘heard’ there is a ‘real chance’ of that move happening.
He said: “There is definitely interest there, I have heard that. Marseille can offer European football, de Zerbi is there. It’s more like a deal that would suit all parties. He has been a good servant for Leeds, is a good player but the chance to go back to France and play first team football.
“If he goes to Marseille and plays well he’s suddenly in the international squad, ahead of the World Cup it could be the perfect time. He’s not going to do that at Elland Road when Leeds are in the Championship.
“They could turn a good profit and goalkeeper is one of the positions you would back yourself to find another one. There’s a real chance on that one.”
What Farke has said about Meslier at Leeds
Meslier had actually looked destined to leave Leeds a year ago but it was Farke’s intervention that saw him remain at Elland Road.
Despite the signing of Karl Darlow, Farke backed Meslier as his number one, with the 24-year-old missing just two of Leeds’ 49 Championship and play-off matches.
Farke was never one to hide how much he rated Meslier either, labelling him as the best goalkeeper in the division back in November.
He said: “His potential without any doubt. He can be any goalkeeper at one point. Unbelievably young. Important to play with confidence. Has the skills to play out from the back. Needs confidence for this, but his potential is outstanding.
“Crucial for six clean sheets and good defensive behaviour. Crucial for build-up. A diamond like him has to be backed. Young goalkeepers will make mistakes, but this has to be expected. Excellent overall this season. Best goalkeeper in the league.”