Leeds United have four players with expiring contracts at the end of this season, and require decisions to be made in 2026.
United have overhauled plenty of their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League in the summer, and that is likely to continue in 2026.
For the 49ers, they have to make some decisions pretty soon on players that are coming to the end of their contracts at the club.
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Four players are out of contract at the moment, and here, I look at all four and assess their futures at Elland Road…
Illan Meslier – Surely set to leave Leeds United
The most notable name on the list is Frenchman Illan Meslier. The goalkeeper has found himself completely out of the picture since the Championship season concluded.
The writing is on the wall at Leeds United for Illan Meslier. (Action Images via Reuters/John Clifton)
He was axed from the starting lineup in April and hasn’t featured since with Leeds replacing him as first choice by signing Lucas Perri.
His deal running down to the summer of 2026 means an exit is a case of when, rather than if. Should Leeds find suitors in the January window, they’ll want to eke out any fee they can get for someone who would be virtually all profit.
Karl Darlow – Re-assess in 2026?
Karl Darlow has been a superb deputy in the Leeds goal since stepping in for Meslier back in April, and while Perri was ruled out with injury.
Leeds United have been able to lean on Karl Darlow a lot in 2025. (REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
Acrobatic shot-stopping and a surprising quality with the ball at his feet, Darlow has shown he can be more than good enough as a backup.
Most would justifiably say he’s worth signing to an extension, even at 35-years-old. The only question would be if Leeds stay up this season, and fancy a Premier League-level goalkeeper that can compete with Perri for a starting spot to help push United up the table.
Alex Cairns – Keep him in the comfy 3rd-choice ‘keeper role?
Most top-end clubs now have an experienced third-choice goalkeeper in their ranks, and Alex Cairns’ return to Leeds was a nod to that growing trend.
He’s not featured since re-signing for Leeds, but provides an important training ground and matchday presence to Daniel Farke’s squad.
His experience has helped him set high standards in training and keep the club’s performances at an optimal level. There’s no need for Leeds to part ways, so an extension makes perfect sense.
Sam Byram – Re-assess in 2026?
Like Darlow, Sam Byram has proven to be a very important backup on the left and right of Leeds’ back four. He’s surpassed all expectation of him when he initially joined our pre-season in 2023 to build fitness.
Sam Byram has filled in at full-back for Leeds United very well. (Action Images/Ed Sykes)
If United are relegated back to the Championship, retaining Byram would be a smart move to ensure greater squad depth and promotion-winning experience.
Should Leeds stay in the division, he’s a squad player that could be improved on. Unfortunately for Byram, historic injury issues mean that the consistent intensity of the Premier League might be a bridge too far.
When does the rest of the Leeds United squad have their contract expired?
The full squad’s contract situation is as follows:
Player Contract length
Illan Meslier 2026
Karl Darlow 2026
Alex Cairns 2026
Sam Byram 2026
Lukas Nmecha 2027
Joel Piroe 2027
Ilia Gruev 2027
Brenden Aaronson 2027
Ethan Ampadu 2027
Pascal Struijk 2027
Joe Rodon 2028
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 2028
Willy Gnonto 2028
Ao Tanaka 2028
Jack Harrison 2028
Jayden Bogle 2028
Sam Chambers 2028
Dan James 2029
Sebastiaan Bornauw 2029
Anton Stach 2029
Sean Longstaff 2029
Noah Okafor 2029
Lucas Perri 2029
Gabriel Gudmundsson 2029
Jaka Bijol 2030