Wolves man offers perfect Leeds United solution after fresh Illan Meslier error | OneFootball

Leeds United should explore a deal for Wolves' Sam Johnstone as Illan Meslier continues to struggle this season.

Leeds United dropped two crucial points in the race for automatic promotion on Saturday as they surrendered a two-goal advantage in the final ten minutes to draw 3-3 at Hull City.

That means the Whites’ are just a point clear at the top, and whilst Daniel Farke’s men are on an eight-game unbeaten run, successive draws have halted the momentum somewhat.

The German boss is sure to be hugely frustrated at how his side fell apart against the Tigers, as they were in total control, having scored three times to bounce back superbly after Abu Kamara’s opener.

Yet, in what is becoming a worrying theme, goalkeeper Illan Meslier made a significant mistake which allowed Joao Pedro to pull one back, before Kamara’s late equaliser.

Illan Meslier’s performances for Leeds United are a concern

The French keeper has been a good signing for Leeds, and he has made some big contributions over the years.

However, there’s no denying that he does make some glaring mistakes, and he has made several this season.

The most memorable one was the stoppage time howler at Sunderland, and whilst his failure to tip the ball over the bar before Pedro’s goal on Saturday wasn’t as dramatic, it was another routine error from the 24-year-old.

He was also out of position for Kamara's first goal at the weekend, and the ultra-critical may question his position for the third, so it was a very bad day at the office for Meslier.

Of course, all keepers make mistakes. It’s part of football, but Leeds fans will be questioning whether the good outweighs the bad with Meslier right now.

He isn’t always convincing when it comes to dominating his box, and his lack of concentration has cost the team multiple teams - and often in big moments.

Sam Johnstone could be Leeds United goalkeeping solution

Given his age, it’s far too soon to be writing Meslier off, as he could play at a high level for the next decade and potentially beyond.

But, for Leeds as a football club, there needs to be some short-term thinking, as the importance of promotion this season really can’t be stressed enough.

When you look at the quality side that Farke has assembled, it’s hard not to think that with a more reliable keeper, the Yorkshire outfit could have a comfortable lead at the top, instead of nervously watching how Burnley, Sheffield United and Sunderland do each week.

So, the recruitment team must be on the lookout for a keeper, and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone is someone who would represent an upgrade on Meslier right now.

The England international only joined Wanderers in the summer, at a time when many believed Jose Sa would depart - but he stuck around.

As a result, the goalkeeping situation at Molineux has been chaotic, as former boss Gary O’Neil regularly chopped and changed between the two.

Since Vitor Pereira’s arrival, it’s Sa who has the gloves, and it must be hugely frustrating for Johnstone to watch on, particularly as he left Crystal Palace in search of first-team football.

Wolves will be open to Sam Johnstone departure

Therefore, there’s a deal to be done from Leeds’ perspective, whether it’s a loan with an obligation depending on promotion, or just a straight up transfer this month.

If they secured the signing of the 31-year-old, Leeds would be getting the instant fix they need and reports have suggested Wolves are ready to let him leave in the winter window.

Johnstone is in his prime, and he has proven himself in the Championship in his career, which included helping Aston Villa to a play-off final, and he won promotion with West Brom.

So, he would bring winning experience to the dressing room, and someone who has played in the Premier League and represented his country should be able to deal with the pressure that comes at Elland Road in the second tier.

In terms of his style, Johnstone is relatively comfortable on the ball, which will suit Farke’s approach, and he is a solid shot-stopper at Championship level. Furthermore, after a difficult few years, he will have a point to prove, and he will be determined to show he is still a very good keeper.

Pleasingly for Leeds, this January window isn’t a time when they’re panicking and desperately looking to sign players. Farke has a great squad at his disposal, and even without any new additions, many would back them to go up.

But, if an upgrade is available, they should strike, and Meslier’s form means they should explore a deal for Johnstone, who could help the team over the line in their quest to reach the Premier League.