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

Leeds United have extended Alex Cairns' contract by two years, keeping the 33-year-old goalkeeper at Elland Road until 2028.

The goalkeeping department is in flux. Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal as a free agent, while Karl Darlow, who replaced Lucas Perri as number one last season, is close to confirming a move to Manchester United. yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk understands Leeds could not guarantee Darlow the number one role, with plans to recruit another senior keeper this summer.

Cairns came through the academy, debuted in the 2011/12 season and departed in 2015 after a series of loans. He returned from Salford City in summer 2024 having played every league game in the previous campaign.

He has amassed over 300 career appearances and is a regular presence with the first team on matchdays. The Yorkshire-born stopper also supports Leeds United Foundation sessions in the community.

His new deal follows captain Ethan Ampadu committing fresh terms this summer, and Cairns will continue as an experienced member of Daniel Farke's squad.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk