Leeds United approached as Beşiktaş explore out-of-window Meslier move

Leeds United’s handling of Illan Meslier has quietly come back into focus, with the goalkeeper now the subject of an out-of-window approach as Beşiktaş explore a late move from Turkey.

Meslier has not played a single minute this season despite Leeds’ return to the Premier League, having slipped firmly behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow in Daniel Farke’s pecking order. With less than six months remaining on his contract, the situation has created an obvious opening — and clubs abroad are starting to act on it.

According to Turkish reports, Beşiktaş have now made direct contact to understand whether a deal is possible before their transfer window shuts later this week.

Illan Meslier has seen his status at Elland Road deteriorate rapidly. Once viewed as a long-term No.1, the Frenchman has not featured at all this season, with Farke opting consistently for alternatives.

Journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reports that Beşiktaş have approached Leeds United to establish the conditions required to sign Meslier before the Turkish window closes on 6 February 2026. Crucially, talks have also taken place with the goalkeeper’s agent — a sign that this is more than a speculative enquiry.

The Turkish side are operating under time pressure, but the interest is described as concrete.

Beşiktaş’ renewed focus on Meslier follows a series of setbacks elsewhere. Chelsea refused to allow Filip Jørgensen to leave, while an attempted move for Santos goalkeeper João Paulo Brázão also failed.

Those collapses have pushed the Leeds stopper into view as a viable late solution.

There had also been interest from Spain last month, with Valencia goalkeeping coach Marcos Abad personally contacting Meslier. That move depended on Stole Dimitrievski leaving Mestalla — something that never materialised, closing that route.

With the English and Spanish windows now shut, Turkey represents one of the final realistic exit options available to Meslier this season.

For Leeds, this is no longer just about squad depth. Allowing Meslier to sit unused while his contract runs down carries a clear financial and sporting risk. Even a short-term resolution — loan or cut-price exit — would at least offer clarity.

There is, however, no indication yet of Leeds’ stance, nor whether they are prepared to negotiate with days remaining before the Turkish deadline.

Beşiktaş are expected to decide quickly whether to formalise their interest. Talks with Meslier’s representatives have taken place, but progress remains unclear. If Leeds are willing to engage, the deal could accelerate rapidly. If not, Meslier may be left in limbo — a high-profile asset going unused with the clock ticking on his contract.