Leeds United could be bidding farewell to one of their players for Daniel Farke before this weekend’s match, amid reports that he is in talks to finalize his last-minute departure.
Falke remains silent on Leeds’ January business
There were certainly plenty of rumors this winter regarding Leeds’ January business, but in the end only one of those rumors came to fruition when Facundo Buonanotte finally arrived.
The Argentine’s arrival at Elland Road has been long awaited after Leeds lost his post to Chelsea in the summer. Now, Falke can finally set his sights on finishing what the team started by signing his own players and achieving promotion.
Whether the German will be satisfied with the overall transfer window is still up for debate. There was reportedly interest in Harry Wilson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, but the Welshman will remain at Fulham, with the latter joining Crystal Palace instead.
If Falke wasn’t happy, he chose to keep his cards close to his chest. When asked about Leeds’ business earlier this week, he told reporters: “I’m not going to say too much about the thoughts I shared with the board and what I wanted them to add to the team.
“Because if I was now crying for another winger or another striker or centre-back, it would be pointless to lead the group and give them confidence.
Not just DCL: Leeds upgrade Falke’s ‘best finisher’ Strand Larsen
Jorgen Strand Larsen has left elsewhere, but all is not lost for Leeds United.
“The general understanding of my role is that I signed a contract here to serve, but for me it’s important that we all come together. It’s not that the manager is against the board. If we want to be successful at the club, the key players need to come together, be on the same page and discuss options.”
With rumors suggesting one of Leeds’ players could make a last-minute exit, Falke may still have one more job on the table.
Ilan Meslier in talks to realize transfer to Besiktas
That player is, of course, Ilan Meslier. According to Football Insider, Meslier is in talks to join Besiktas ahead of tonight’s deadline in Turkey. The Leeds goalkeeper was recently made third-choice at Elland Road and has only six months left on his current contract, making this the Whites’ last chance to cash in.
It remains to be seen whether a move will be made official after talks earlier this week, but transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke certainly believes it is a possibility.
He told Football Insider: ”I think something could happen with Meslier and the move to Turkey.
“It’s clear Besiktas want a goalkeeper. They had their eye on teammate Perry but Leeds rejected those offers. So they’re obviously still looking for a keeper and Meslier is available.”
It’s worth noting that Meslier is only 25 years old and, despite his shortcomings, still has a chance to fulfill his potential away from Elland Road.
