Leeds United had a disappointing end to the summer transfer window. Not only did they fail to bring in the attacking reinforcements that Daniel Farke indicated were essential for their survival chances, but they still have players in their squad who are not part of their long-term plans.
The Whites ended the summer transfer window with a whimper. The club were scrambling for options on deadline day and failed to sign anyone after their pursuit of Wales winger Harry Wilson brutally collapsed after Fulham changed their mind about selling, with minutes left in the window.
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However, Leeds also failed to move on from Illan Meslier after trying to sell him all summer. The Frenchman could still move with the window open in certain countries, but as things stand, he is part of Leeds’ 24-man Premier League squad.
Leeds are also facing a few contract issues, and a clutch of players could soon move on from Elland Road on a free transfer, due to their deals expiring.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
Four Leeds United players who could soon leave on a free transfer
Karl Darlow
Darlow started in Leeds’ EFL Cup exit at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday last month, but that is likely to be his last appearance until the FA Cup, unless Lucas Perri picks up an injury. He is ahead of Illan Meslier in the pecking order of goalkeepers, but is still behind Perri, and Farke is known for changing his goalkeepers in league games.
The Welshman is now likely to leave Elland Road on a free transfer next year when his contract with Leeds expires. It remains to be seen whether he is offered an extension by the club.
Alex Cairns
Cairns has been registered in Leeds’ 24-man squad, but he has even less chance of playing any football than Meslier or Darlow this season. The 32-year-old joined Leeds from Salford last year and has made a grand total of one appearance for the Whites. His contract expires at the end of the ongoing campaign, and there is no reason why the club will offer him an extension.
Sam Byram
Byram signed a one-year extension in the summer and featured in the EFL Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. However, he is firmly down in the pecking order of full-backs in the squad this season. Unless there is a massive injury crisis, he is unlikely to get many starts in the Premier League.
The defender will call time on his second stint at Leeds at the end of the season and leave on a free transfer.
Illan Meslier
Leeds wanted to sell Meslier, and the Frenchman was also believed to be keen on leaving Elland Road. However, despite interest from Rangers, Lorient and Valencia, the goalkeeper is still at the club and is now part of their 24-man Leeds squad. The club are considering ways to move him on still, but it seems he is unlikely to leave before the winter transfer window.
The Whites could be forced to allow him to leave on a free transfer next summer, when his current deal expires, or even earlier, by agreeing to terminate his contract.
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