Bailey Peacock-Farrell may rue Leeds exit amid Illan Meslier reports

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The Daily Mirror reported on Wednesday that Leeds United are ready to take up the option to make Illan Meslier’s move permanent in the summer.

Meslier has only made a handful of first-team appearances since moving to Elland Road on loan last summer. But he has made a big impression.

The Frenchman has conceded one goal in his first three appearances – and that came against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

That display at the Emirates was, by far, his best performance so far. But he has also kept clean sheets in both of the games he has played in the Championship.

It is little surprise that Leeds are reportedly looking to sign Meslier permanently. And it would perhaps be no surprise if he is considered the Whites’ permanent number one once Kiko Casilla returns from his ban.

But bringing Meslier in on loan may not have happened at all had Bailey Peacock-Farrell not left the club for Burnley last year.

As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Peacock-Farrell had previously stated that he was not planning to stay at Leeds as Casilla’s understudy.

The Northern Ireland international lost his place to Casilla last season. And it would appear that he had been informed that he would have to bide his time if he was going to stay at Leeds this term.

Since joining Burnley however, Peacock-Farrell has not made a single appearance in any competition.

He would have been aware that he was going to struggle for game-time with Sean Dyche’s men. And he would have surely been aware that he would need to be patient.

And of course, he could not have foreseen the circumstances that have led to Meslier getting this current run in the team.

But with Leeds top of the Championship and in a fantastic position to perhaps play at the same level at the Clarets next term, Peacock-Farrell would surely be forgiven for potentially ruing leaving.

With Nick Pope still one of the most impressive stoppers at the highest level, he does not appear to be too much closer to getting a chance at Turf Moor.

Meanwhile, if all the pieces fall into place over the coming months, Meslier could be the number one for a Premier League side next season.