The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 31st December) Mutual termination on the cards for Meslier
0
13
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 31st December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Mutual termination on the cards for Meslier
Leeds United’s once‑crowned French prodigy, Illan Meslier, may be packing his bags as early as next week; not because the Whites want to cash in, but because both parties might simply agree to call it quits. After a string of high‑profile blunders last season, the 25‑year‑old goalkeeper slipped down the pecking order, finding himself stuck behind Lukas Perri and Karl Darlow. With the club now eyeing a fresh start and Meslier’s contract set to expire next summer, a mutual‑consent termination would wipe the slate clean for both sides and free up wages for a loan player.
North of the border, Celtic have reportedly shown keen interest in the former French U21 shot-stopper, but are adamant about avoiding any fee. Meslier’s current wage, about £30,000 a week, could easily be redirected to fund a promising loan signing rather than sit idle on a bench. If the deal goes through, the Whites could free up valuable budget for a new signing, while Meslier gets a chance to resurrect his career under Wilfried Nancy's watchful eye. In short, a clean break in January might just be the win‑win nobody expected. Leeds are also apparently open to offers for Wilfred Gnonto, Jack Harrison, Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe (dependant on finding an upgrade).
Bornauw move in jeopardy after Rodon injury
FC Koln’s hopes of securing a loan deal for Sebastian Bornauw just got a whole lot more complicated. During Daniel Farke's pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, he revealed that Joel Rodon is now side-lined for three weeks due to ankle ligament damage, sustained during the 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light last weekend. Right-sided centre-backs are in short supply at LS11, with Bornauw the only recognised deputy (although in truth James Justin is more than capable in that position).
Social media lit up like a Christmas tree after Farke's presser, accusing the Leeds gaffer of playing down the severity of Rodon's injury to save face. Many believe he should have taken the Welsh International off after the initial assault (5 mins). Instead, he soldiered on for another 25 minutes, severely weakening Leeds back four, and further aggravating the injury. Fixtures come thick and fast in January. He will miss games against Liverpool, Manchester Utd, Newcastle, Derby (FA Cup) and Fulham, but will be back for the trip to Everton on the 26th January - anybody else thinking this is overly ambitious?
City keen to offload Phillips
As January transfer speculation intensifies, Manchester City’s reported interest in offloading Kalvin Phillips has reignited talks of the 30-year-old’s return to Elland Road. The Wortley lad spent twelve years in Leeds’ academy and first-team setup, carrying the title of club legend after over a decade as a White. Yet his £45m move to the Etihad Stadium in 2022 has proven a financial and tactical albatross for City. Despite a reported £250,000 weekly salary, Phillips has struggled to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s demanding style, limiting his first-team role to the odd substitute appearance.
For Leeds, a loan reunion with Phillips is a complex proposition. While the midfielder’s leadership and physicality could bolster their Premier League survival bid, any return hinges on City covering a “large proportion” of his astronomical wage bill, a scenario City would likely pursue only as a last resort. Instead, the Citizens are expected to explore loan opportunities abroad, where domestic league rules might allow salary sharing or reduced liabilities. This pragmatic approach, however, contrasts sharply with Phillips’ public sentiment: internal sources indicate the midfielder strongly favours a return to Elland Road, where his presence could also unlock tactical flexibility. With Ethan Ampadu capable of shifting into defence, Leeds could reshape their midfield without sacrificing defensive stability.
The Whites, who have yet to utilize their two January loan slots, face a race against time to pivot their squad. A Phillips loan, even with salary co-funding, would require creative deal-making. Yet for a player whose heart remains in Yorkshire, and fans who idolize him as a symbol of local grit, such a return would transcend mere business, it would be a bittersweet homecoming, rich in emotional resonance. As January approaches, the stage is set for a transfer saga blending loyalty, logistics, and the ever-looming shadow of money.