Leeds United’s evolving best XI after exits and Wilson deal, with goalkeeper picture shifting | OneFootball

Leeds United’s strongest XI and bench already look different six weeks after their Premier League return concluded. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, departures and an incoming attacker have altered the picture, with a change in goal now in play.

Leeds secured survival with three games remaining, then ended 2025-26 with a 3-1 loss at West Ham, who are heading for the Championship. On 10 June the club’s retained list confirmed Illan Meslier would leave at contract end and loanee Facundo Buonanotte would return to Brighton.

Talks were opened with Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns and Sam Byram over new deals, although all three are currently free agents.

A major exit followed at the start of this month as centre-back Pascal Struijk departed. Leeds closed in on Harry Wilson on a free from Fulham, the deal complete but still awaiting announcement.

With Wilson to be added, the notional strongest XI is reshaped. Lucas Perri is considered number one for now, as Darlow ended last season as first choice but is out of contract while discussions continue. Jayden Bogle is first-choice right-back, with the versatile James Justin an alternative across the line. In a seemingly preferred 5-3-2, Joe Rodon partners Jaka Bijol, who looks most comfortable in the centre of a back three, with Justin stepping in after Struijk’s exit. Gabi Gudmundsson remains first-choice left-back and is among four Leeds players at the World Cup.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk