Leeds United retained list confirms exits as talks continue with senior trio and academy deals offered | OneFootball

Leeds United have issued their retained list, confirming Illan Meslier’s exit after seven years and the return of loanee Facundo Buonanotte, while talks continue with Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow. Buonanotte played only 36 minutes of Premier League football after arriving in January.

Leeds want to keep Darlow in next season’s goalkeeping group, although he has suitors. He replaced Meslier for the promotion run-in and did likewise last season when Lucas Perri was dropped. The Athletic reported earlier this week that Manchester United wanted to make Darlow their number two this summer.

Byram has been widely expected to leave after playing only 86 minutes of first-team football last season. Cairns returned with a brief to support the goalkeepers in what was close to a player-coach role.

Earlier in the week, captain Ethan Ampadu signed a new four-year contract. His previous deal ran to summer 2027, with a club option for a further year.

Academy departures include Connor Douglas, Devon Brockie, Lewis Pirie and Marley Wilson. Pirie joined from Aberdeen in summer 2023 and featured sparingly for the Under 21s.

Goalkeeper Darryl Ombang, 20, has been offered new terms after loans with Darlington and FC United of Manchester this season.

Professional offers have gone to Freddie Lane, Jack Morris, Jacob Render, Joshua Hamilton, Will Firth and Northern Ireland Under 19 international Luke Matykiewicz. Leeds have also taken up a third-year option on 18-year-old keeper George Kenyon. Scholars Alex Baird and Elton Simo will depart when their deals end.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk