Leeds United confirm Alex Cairns contract to 2028 amid goalkeeper changes | OneFootball

Leeds United confirm Alex Cairns contract to 2028 amid goalkeeper changes | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: OffsAIde

OffsAIde

·11 July 2026

Leeds United confirm Alex Cairns contract to 2028 amid goalkeeper changes

Article image:Leeds United confirm Alex Cairns contract to 2028 amid goalkeeper changes

Leeds United have extended Alex Cairns’ stay, the 33-year-old signing a two-year deal to keep him at Elland Road until 2028.

The goalkeeping department remains the club’s most active area this summer. Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal on a free after running down his contract and Karl Darlow, who replaced Lucas Perri as number one last season, is close to confirming a move to Manchester United. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds could not guarantee Darlow the starting role, with plans to recruit another senior goalkeeper.


OneFootball Videos


Cairns returned in 2024 to serve as third-choice and will continue as an experienced part of Daniel Farke’s first-team group.

A Leeds academy graduate, he made his senior debut in the 2011/12 campaign, then departed in 2015 after a series of loans. He rejoined from Salford City last summer having played every league game for the Ammies in the previous season.

He has amassed more than 300 career appearances and is a regular presence on match days. He is also active with Leeds United Foundation programmes in the community. Cairns joins captain Ethan Ampadu in agreeing fresh terms at Elland Road this summer.

View publisher imprint