Leeds United make Alex Cairns 'decision' as new goalkeeper signing lined up

Leeds United are reportedly expected to keep Alex Cairns going into next season.

The shot-stopper's current contract at the Whites expires at the end of June, but it looks like the 33-year-old will continue to be a part of the squad next season.

Daniel Farke relied on Karl Darlow as his number one midway through the 2025-26 campaign as Luas Perri lost his place in the starting lineup.

Cairns is optimistic about his chances of staying at the West Yorkshire outfit, who could also lose the Wales shot-stopper as a free agent if they can't come to an agreement over fresh terms.

According to journalist Beren Cross on 4 June, sources close to the home-grown English goalkeeper believe the Peacocks will tie his future down in LS11 soon.

Leeds United goalkeeper situation assessed ahead of transfer window

One question that will certainly dominate headlines in the coming weeks is whether Leeds will sign a new goalkeeper.

While Darlow's contract extension feels like something that should be on top of the Whites' agenda, it remains to be seen what role Daniel Farke will offer him next season.

Lucas Perri was signed to be the number one last summer, but the Brazilian shot-stopper lost his place in the team and could possibly be on his way out of Elland Road after just one season.

Illan Meslier's deal is set to expire in the coming weeks, and it looks unlikely that the Peacocks will keep him around for long.

Daniel Farke set for Elland Road disappointment

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke recently revealed that Leeds are monitoring Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.

It remains to be seen whether the Whites will end up making an attempt to sign the 23-year-old Czechia international in the summer.

While Hornicek might have done well in the Portuguese top flight, Daniel Farke has made his ambitions for progress clear at LS11 and that will undoubtedly require quality recruitment from the West Yorkshire outfit.

The German manager may not be getting a proven shot-stopper anytime soon as 49ers Enterprises deal with financial restrictions, leaving the Peacocks to once again rely on Darlow as their number one for next season.