Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 2 April 2026 11:10, UK

Leeds United keeper Alex Cairns is edging towards the end of his contract at Elland Road.

The 33-year-old is yet to make a single appearance for the Whites since completing a surprise move from Salford City in 2024.

He has featured in matchday squads in both the Premier League and Championship without playing a minute in LS11.

That isn’t unheard of for a shot stopper in modern football, with someone like Scott Carson playing a similar role at Manchester City.

Cairns now faces an uncertain future at Leeds as his contract ticks down, and we now assess what we know about his contract in Yorkshire.

What is Alex Cairns’ contract situation at Leeds United?

The Englishman has only made one appearance for the Whites in his entire career despite having three spells at Elland Road.

He has had a far-reaching career around the English Football League and now finds himself as a training ground player at Thorp Arch.

Having made so many appearances at Fleetwood Town and Salford City, there has been a sharp decline in minutes since then for the keeper.

That has especially been the case back with Leeds after failing to make a single matchday squad since promotion to the Premier League.

His contract expires at the end of the season after two years in LS11, with reports suggesting he has been paid £10,000 per week throughout that deal.

That equates to a figure in and around £520,000, which isn’t exactly short change for someone who hasn’t made a first-team appearance in nearly two years.

Leeds paid a nominal fee to sign Cairns, so you could argue it has been worth it even if an exit appears to be in the pipeline.

Leeds set for goalkeeper overhaul in the summer

It looks as if Cairns is going to be on his way out of Yorkshire as soon as his deal ends at the end of June.

That won’t come as a surprise, as he looks increasingly likely to follow Illan Meslier out the door on a free transfer away from Elland Road.

Both are out of contract moving into the summer, and it makes sense to let them leave and refresh the shot-stopping role.

Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri have battled for the number one shirt this season, so welcoming a new competitor may prove to be wise.

It will be interesting to see what Daniel Farke and Co. do, but the departure of Cairns could make way for plenty of change at Elland Road.