Leeds United were hit with very terrible news this week that Karl Darlow had turned down their offer. The veteran keeper was one of three players offered a new contract last month.
Illan Meslier’s departure was confirmed, as the club had no plans to offer him a new deal.
Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns and Sam Byram were all given new contract offers before their deals expired at the end of June. Since then, a lot of things have gone on behind the scenes.
It came as a shock when it was announced that Darlow was heading to Manchester United.
The keeper join Michael Carrick’s side as a backup behind their other first choice goalkeepers. Leeds fans will be frustrated that he made that decision over being first choice for the Whites next season.
Leeds United handed major boost following contract news
The arrival of Harry Wilson softened the blow a bit for Leeds United fans.
Many were anticipating his arrival for over a week, when news broke that he was on the verge of signing for the West Yorkshire club. Daniel Farke now has the first signing of this window secured.
On Friday, Leeds also confirmed that reserve goalkeeper Alex Cairns has officially signed a new deal.
Just like with Wilson, the news had been broken a while ago, but fans were eager to hear it announced. Cairns was the reserve keeper last season, mainly working with the U21 side.
The 33-year old has been at Elland Road since 2024, and will now continue his stay.
Reports from club sources say Cairns is a positive influence in the locker room and the club were eager to keep him around this coming season.
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What happens next for Leeds?
Alex Cairns remaining with the team is a huge boost going forward.
In the short term, the club will now have another body with the team in pre-season preparations. And now the club will not have to really panic over signing another keeper immediately.
The Whites can now focus on getting a keeper who can start going forward instead of wasting time on depth options.
Leeds have been linked with multiple names over the last few weeks. It is great that the 49ers have identified the goalkeeping department as one that has urgent needs in this window.
The ownership must end up making the right choice, especially after what happened with Lucas Perri last year.
