“Leeds United Facing Potential January Exodus: Joe Gelhardt Among Those Linked with Exit”
Leeds United could see a few departures in the January transfer window, with several players, including Joe Gelhardt, reportedly looking to move on from Elland Road. Despite manager Daniel Farke expecting a quiet window, the club may be forced to dip into the market if key players are sold. Gelhardt, who has expressed a desire to leave in January, could be one of the first to depart, potentially leading to further changes in Leeds’ squad as they plan for the second half of the season.
“Leeds United Stars in High Demand: Joe Gelhardt, Junior Firpo, and Max Wober Linked with January Moves”
Leeds United could see several key players head for the exit door in January, with Joe Gelhardt, Junior Firpo, Max Wober, and Illan Meslier all reportedly attracting interest from various clubs. Gelhardt, frustrated by his lack of game time, is being eyed by QPR, although the Championship club may struggle to afford a permanent move. Firpo has drawn attention from Turkish SuperLig giants Besiktas, while Wober, who previously played for RB Salzburg, is now a target for his old club as well as Wolves, who are reportedly keen on acquiring the versatile left-footed defender.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier is another player linked with a potential departure, with Ligue 1 club Rennes showing interest in the Frenchman. Should these players leave, Leeds may be forced to bolster their squad to maintain their push for promotion, making January a critical month for Daniel Farke’s plans.
“Leeds United Receive Transfer Boost as Rennes Eye £9m Bargain for Alban Lafont Instead of Illan Meslier”
Leeds United have received a boost regarding Illan Meslier’s future as French club Rennes appear to be shifting their focus away from the £15m-rated goalkeeper. While earlier reports suggested Rennes were interested in Meslier or PSV’s Walter Benitez, new developments from Jeunes Footeux indicate that Rennes are now targeting highly-rated French goalkeeper Alban Lafont.
Lafont, once considered one of Europe’s top young goalkeeping talents at Toulouse, has fallen out of favor at Nantes. With a reported asking price of just £9m, Rennes are poised to make a move for the goalkeeper in January, leaving Leeds United’s Meslier in a more secure position for now. If Rennes do move for Lafont, it would free up Leeds to retain Meslier, who had been the subject of previous speculation regarding a potential transfer.
“Alban Lafont for £9m Could Prove Too Tempting for Rennes Over Illan Meslier”
Rennes may ultimately be swayed by the prospect of signing Alban Lafont for just £9m instead of pursuing Illan Meslier, who would likely command a significantly higher fee. While Leeds United are unlikely to part with Meslier in January, even if the 49ers were open to a sale, the price tag for the French goalkeeper would likely be well above £9m. Lafont, who shares similarities with Meslier in terms of talent and potential, represents a more cost-effective option for Rennes as they look to replace veteran Steve Mandanda. Given the value for money Lafont offers, Rennes could be more inclined to pursue the Nantes shot-stopper over Meslier, leaving Leeds in a stronger position to retain their number one.
“Rennes Could Opt for Alban Lafont at £9m: A Bargain for a Top Goalkeeper with Ligue 1 Experience”
The potential move for Alban Lafont at just £9m represents a rare opportunity for Rennes to secure a highly experienced goalkeeper at a bargain price. Unlike Illan Meslier, Lafont has years of Ligue 1 experience under his belt, which gives him a proven track record in French football. At £9m, he is a steal, especially considering his potential to far exceed that price tag. For Rennes, it’s an attractive option to sign a goalkeeper who could rise in value while delivering strong performances at a fraction of the cost of other top-tier keepers. This makes Lafont a smart and economical choice for the club, providing both immediate quality and long-term potential.
“Rennes Set to Opt for Alban Lafont Over Illan Meslier in January Transfer Window”
With his proven experience in Ligue 1, Alban Lafont presents a more sensible and cost-effective option for Rennes compared to Illan Meslier. While Meslier would come with a significantly higher price tag, Lafont offers similar potential and experience at a fraction of the cost. Rennes are likely to prefer the opportunity to secure a top-tier goalkeeper like Lafont for just £9m, which is far more appealing than pursuing Meslier for a much higher fee. As a result, a reunion between Glen Kamara and Meslier at Rennes seems increasingly unlikely, with Lafont emerging as the more practical solution for the French club.