Next week, some Leeds United players will be out of contract, and the club will know their next steps. One of the first things the 49ers did after the season was renewing Ethan Ampadu’s deal.
The club captain will stay for four more years, a contract that club chairman Paraag Marathe had no hesitation over.
There is one confirmed departure at the end of the month; Leeds announced that they would not be offering Illan Meslier a new deal. The French goalkeeper’s time at Elland Road has come to an end.
This week say news of Alex Cairns agreeing to sign a new deal to remain as the club’s reserve keeper.
With just over three days left in June, the club now has to see what to do about the other players leaving.
Leeds United in negotiations with World Cup star
Leeds United offered Karl Darlow a new contract, but so far there is no word on if he will stay.
There is interest from Manchester United, but sources believe he will sign a new deal at the club. Sam Byram also has an offer on the table, and according to Adam Pope, it would be a surprise if the defender stays.
The uncertainty around Darlow should have Leeds worried; if he fails to sign, Lucas Perri could be first choice next season.
Per reports from Italy, Leeds are looking to sign Zion Suzuki this summer. Sportitalia journalist Gianluigi Longari revealed that the Whites are indeed looking into a possible deal.
Journalist Luca Cerchione has also reported that Leeds are in talks with Parma over a potential deal.
He adds that the next few days could be ‘crucial’ when it comes to Suzuki’s future.
READ MORE: Adam Pope drops intriguing Leeds United transfer claim: ‘Left, right and centre’
49ers are being proactive over goalkeeping situation
There can be huge optimism over the future of Karl Darlow, but the facts are that he is yet to sign an extension.
This currently leaves the Whites with Lucas Perri under contract, with Alex Cairns also set to sign a new deal. Waiting on the Welsh keeper could disrupt transfer plans.
If he delays, it makes the window for Leeds signing a new keeper shorter.
And if he does sign, it changes the dynamics as the Whites search for a new number one.
The great thing is that the 49ers have not taken things lightly, and are actively looking to add a goalkeeper in the coming weeks.
