“Goodbye Legend” – Sky Sport Confirms Jose Mourinho’s Approval for Leeds Player’s Signing as Player is Expected to Join Mourinho in Turkey Surprisingly

Jose Mourinho Set to Sign Illan Meslier as Leeds United Exit Nears Completion

Illan Meslier is on the verge of sealing a move to Fenerbahce, with reports in Turkey suggesting the Leeds United goalkeeper has agreed to join Jose Mourinho’s side – and is expected to fly out to Istanbul this weekend to finalise the deal.

The 25-year-old Frenchman has been a fixture at Elland Road since joining from Lorient in 2019, initially on loan before making the switch permanent. But after a turbulent spell in goal and falling out of favour under Daniel Farke, Meslier’s time as Leeds’ No.1 appears to be drawing to a close.

According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, Fenerbahce have beaten domestic rivals Galatasaray to the signing of Meslier, who is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract in early July. The report claims a “deal is done” between the two clubs, with all parties in agreement and the transfer now simply awaiting formalisation once the player arrives in Turkey.

Meslier’s impending departure comes as Leeds prepare for another crucial summer in the transfer market. Having missed out on promotion, the Whites are expected to rebuild, and the goalkeeper position has been widely recognised as a key area needing investment. Meslier’s own future became increasingly uncertain after a costly error in the defeat to Swansea City in April – a moment widely seen as the tipping point for Farke, who replaced the Frenchman with Karl Darlow for the run-in.

While the club is expected to bring in a new first-choice keeper, Meslier’s exit clears the path for that transition to happen cleanly – and may come as a relief for both the player and Leeds.

“If a deal to see Meslier head to Fenerbahce is agreed, it’s probably best for both him and the club to get it sorted soon,” a source close to the situation told LeedsAllOver. “Leeds fans have wanted a change in goal for some time and that Swansea calamity was the final straw for Farke too, so the writing’s been on the wall for months now.”

Meslier’s move will also present a significant opportunity for a fresh start. Fenerbahce, under the stewardship of José Mourinho, are looking to reassert themselves in both the Turkish Super Lig and Europe, and the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss is believed to have personally approved the move.

Should the transfer go through as expected, Meslier will be playing European football next season – something that Leeds cannot offer. It’s also a notable endorsement for the Frenchman, whose development in England has often divided opinion.

The decision marks a significant chapter in both Meslier’s career and Leeds’ ongoing rebuild. With the move now seemingly a matter of time, attention at Elland Road will quickly turn to who takes the gloves next season.

The 25-year-old’s flight to Istanbul is reportedly booked for this weekend, and fans can expect official confirmation shortly after, barring any late complications.