Leeds United’s strongest XI and bench after pair depart, with talks ongoing with three others | OneFootball

Leeds United have outlined their retained list, confirming two exits and talks with three out-of-contract players, sharpening focus on the club’s strongest XI and bench. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Wednesday’s list followed an earlier confirmation that goalkeeper Illan Meslier will leave when his deal expires this summer, and Facundo Buonanotte will return to Brighton after his loan.

Leeds added that the deals of Karl Darlow, Sam Byram and Alex Cairns also expire this summer, and they are in discussions over their futures. The club face a significant summer before their second season back in the Premier League, with recruitment likely to be key.

As things stand, Darlow is first choice after a strong second half of the season replacing Lucas Perri, though Manchester United are reportedly interested in him as a back-up.

In a 5-3-2, Jayden Bogle is clear first-choice right-back, with James Justin a versatile alternative across the back line. A three-man centre-back axis features Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol in the middle, and Pascal Struijk on the left.

Bijol, a summer 2025 signing and a Slovenian international, impressed in the second half of the season. Struijk, a left-footer, is out of contract next summer. At left-back, Gabi Gudmundsson is the standout pick and is one of four Leeds players set to compete at the World Cup.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk