Which players are Leeds United at risk of losing for free at the ends of their contracts?
Slowly but surely, Leeds United are creeping toward safety, with fans and club alike starting to dream of another season in the Premier League.
The Whites’ 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday means they’ve now lost just two of their last 14 Premier League games, picking up 20 points during that time, compared to just points from their opening 13 games. Now, they’re six points clear of 18th-place West Ham with just 11 games to go.
Should they retain their top-flight status, Leeds will no doubt embark on another busy summer, strengthening their squad in a bid to further consolidate their position. But it won’t just be new signings that’ll need work, with several members of Daniel Farke’s squad also nearing the ends of their contracts.
Leeds players out of contract this summer
2026: Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns, Sam Byram, Illan Meslier, Facundo Buonanotte (loan)
Leeds have five players set to depart Elland Road for free this summer, should their situations remain unchanged (per Transfermarkt). Of the four players permanently signed to the club, Karl Darlow’s situation is most urgent, given he’s played 13 times across all competitions this season, including making 11 Premier League appearances. However, the Whites are expected to target a new goalkeeper this summer, so it remains to be seen whether or not Darlow stays in Farke’s plans.
Alex Cairns and Illan Meslier haven’t had a look-in for the senior team this campaign and may well be left to leave for free, while full-back Sam Byram has made just one Premier League appearance. Facundo Buonanotte is, of course, on loan from Brighton, and his Elland Road future is very much in doubt, with Leeds not holding any option or obligation to buy.
Leeds United full squad contract expiry dates
Though not quite as urgent, Leeds also have several players whose deals end in the summer of 2027. This list includes some key figures in Farke’s squad, including Brenden Aaronson, Pascal Struijk, Lukas Nmecha and captain Ethan Ampadu.
Here’s a rundown of those players, as well as those with deals going beyond 18 months.
2027: Lukas Nmecha, Joël Piroe, Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu, Brenden Aaronson, Pascal Struijk
2029: Daniel James, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Noah Okafor, Lucas Perri, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin
2030: Jaka Bijol
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