Leeds United hand Alex Cairns new two-year deal as goalkeeper reshuffle continues | OneFootball

Leeds United have tied Alex Cairns to a new two-year contract, keeping the 33-year-old goalkeeper at Elland Road until 2028.

With the goalkeeping department central to this window, Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal on a free and Karl Darlow is close to confirming a move to Manchester United. yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk understands Leeds could not guarantee Darlow would be first choice, with plans to recruit another senior goalkeeper this summer.

Cairns returned in 2024 to act as third keeper at the club where he came through the academy and debuted in the 2011/12 season, having left in 2015. He rejoined from Salford City after playing every league fixture for the Ammies in the previous campaign.

He has amassed more than 300 career appearances and remains an ever-present on matchdays with the first-team squad. Cairns is also active in the community through Leeds United Foundation sessions promoting wellbeing and social activity.

The extension maintains his long association with the Whites and keeps him as an experienced member of Daniel Farke’s group. He follows captain Ethan Ampadu in committing his future at Elland Road this summer.

Darlow, who took the number one jersey from Lucas Perri last season, is out of contract after three years and turned down the chance to stay.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk