Ilan Meslier was in action for Leeds' U21s team(Image: Getty Images)

Illan Meslier's appearance for Leeds United's under‑21s against West Ham on Saturday could be read as a reminder to Daniel Farke that he is still fighting for relevance at Elland Road in the final months of his contract. The French goalkeeper has not featured in a Leeds squad since the start of December.

Meslier, who played a major role in Leeds' Championship‑winning campaign in 2024/25, has endured a turbulent return to the Premier League. A series of high‑profile mistakes last season opened the door for Lucas Perri, signed from Lyon for £15.6million, to take over as Farke's first‑choice goalkeeper.

Since Perri's arrival, Meslier has not featured once for the senior side and has slipped significantly down the pecking order. Perri has been the established No.1 in the league, while Karl Darlow has been preferred for cup fixtures, leaving Meslier confined to reserve‑team football.

His latest appearance came for the under‑21s, where he produced an outstanding save to deny Joshua Ajala from the penalty spot, though the young Whites ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat. The performance may not change his immediate...