For Leeds United fans, much of the positivity of the 2020-21 season evaporated on opening night of the 21-22 season. After a thumping at the hands of Manchester United, things have rarely improved for the Whites. A flurry of deals that look poor in retrospect were carried out, giving the squad a lack of balance and a lack of confidence in many key areas. This has led to many fans who were dreaming of seeing a young and invigorating Leeds side developed begin to worry about exits in the summer.

The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha have shown beyond any doubt they could play at the highest level. Elite talents with incredible ability, they could easily take a step beyond Leeds. Other young players in the squad, though, are still trying to prove their worth. One example of this comes in the form of Illan Meslier. The youngster has enjoyed a rocky season, which has put paid to rumours about the likes of FC Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain making a bid.

Instead, the young Frenchman looks to be a victim of playing behind such a rocky backline. Porous defensively, the scouts coming to Elland Road to watch Meslier have more often than not come away unimpressed. For any Leeds fan with their head screwed on, though, this can only be good news.

Messlier is a young keeper, and has developed since he arrived at the club. However, it has to be said that he has not moved on this year the way that some would have hoped or planned. This could change in the blink of an eye, of course, but it means that Leeds can hopefully think about keeping hold of the youngster for at least one more season.

Poor form derailing many transfer hopes at Leeds

With Marcelo Bielsa out the door, it has been speculated that a fair chunk of the squad will look to find new employment come the summer. And it makes sense in a way – Leeds are set to go about a major squad rebuild. Keeping players who are unhappy to be here under Jesse Marsch would be silly. The American is already under fire due to his nationality, so it is important that Leeds back him with everything they can.

Do that, and get it right, and they could stop Marsch and co. becoming a target of cruel and silly jibes. However, with so many players signed under Bielsa, it is expected that a large number of players will move on in the summer. This could also go for long-term Bielsa lieutenants, the likes of Adam Forshaw, who have barely played due to injury.

With the old boss gone, there will be a new hierarchy built at the club. With many expecting some of the best talent to leave, many others will go out the door at the same time. At least for now, though, it looks like goalkeeper will not be one of the many positions in-need of a replacement figure.