Leeds United discuss future of senior trio and youngster offered deal as retained list shows exits — YEP 10/6/26

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By Graham Smyth

Leeds United have published their retained list and remain in talks over the futures of three of Daniel Farke's first team squad members.

The Whites began their post-season business with the news that captain Ethan Ampadu had signed a new four-year deal. Ampadu's contract was due to expire in the summer of 2027, though the club did hold an option for a further year. Leeds have followed that with their retained list, which confirms who among those with contracts running out at the end of June will leave and who will stay.

Leeds announced on Wednesday morning that Illan Meslier would leave the club after seven years at Elland Road and the club also said farewell to loanee Facundo Buonanotte who played just 36 minutes of Premier League football since joining in January. But they remain in talks over the futures of Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow. The latter has a number of suitors but Leeds are keen to keep him as part of their goalkeeping set-up for next season. The Wales international took over from Meslier for the promotion run in and did the same last season when Lucas Perri’s form led to the Brazilian being dropped by Farke. Earlier this week it was reported by The Athletic that Manchester United wanted to make Darlow their number two this summer.

Byram, meanwhile, has been widely expected to leave this summer having played next to no competitive football last season. The veteran defender played just 86 minutes of first team action across all competitions. Cairns’ role from the outset of his return to Elland Road was to support the goalkeeping department and take what was almost a player-coach position.

The club statement read: "Leeds United can confirm the club’s retained list for the 2026/27 season has been submitted to the Premier League. As announced earlier on Wednesday, Illan Meslier will leave the club following the expiration of his contract, with our very best wishes.

"Returning to his parent club Brighton & Hove Albion following his time with us on loan, we would like to thank Facundo Buonanotte for his effort and professionalism during his time in West Yorkshire and we wish him well for his future career. The club remains in discussions over the futures of first team players Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow."

A number of academy youngsters are leaving the club alongside Meslier this summer, including Connor Douglas, Devon Brockie, Lewis Pirie and Marley Wilson. Striker Pirie signed from Aberdeen in the summer of 2023 but featured sparingly for the club's Under 21s this season.

Leeds have offered new terms to goalkeeper Darryl Ombang, a 20-year-old goalkeeper who spent time this season on loan with Darlington in the National League North and Northern Premier League side FC United of Manchester.

Six further youngsters - Freddie Lane, Jack Morris, Jacob Render, Joshua Hamilton, Will Firth and Northern Ireland Under 19 international Luke Matykiewicz - have been offered professional contracts, while the club has activated their option for a third year on 18-year-old keeper George Kenyon. Two more scholars, Alex Baird and Elton Simo, will leave Leeds this summer when their current deals end.

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