Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sat 23 May 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke did not clarify the contract situation heading into the summer.

The likes of Illan Meslier, Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow are out of contract when the season concludes.

So far, there have been no indications that any of them will sign a new deal to remain at Elland Road beyond the conclusion of the campaign.

Farke commented on the situation, but his answer left more questions than answers, and leaves the players still in limbo.

Leeds could lose all four players if they can’t agree on fresh terms within the next few weeks.

What did Farke say about Leeds’ contract situations?

Farke was coy when it came to Leeds’ contract decisions, he would not reveal whether progress had been made or whether players would be let go.

Speaking in his pre-West Ham press conference on 22 May, he said: “Right now is a time for us to talk about a few things and sit together and take some decisions, this is what we’ve started in the last days.

“We know we have a couple of contracts running out, there will be a decision pretty soon. Sooner than a few weeks.

“As soon as everything is spoken about it will be announced. Nothing I want to confirm just now in the press conference, it’s up to the club to announce.”

There may well be discussions behind the scenes, but the Whites boss did not reveal anything new about the situations.

Who should remain at Leeds?

The only one who should remain in LS11 is Darlow, as he has been the first-choice goalkeeper for the majority of the season.

He has made 21 appearances in the Premier League, playing a key part in the Yorkshire side’s successful survival bid in the top-flight.

Meslier has not made a senior appearance, but has remained on the Peacocks’ books throughout the campaign and will surely move on in the summer.

Cairns has also not featured for the first team, and has never had another appearance since his debut in the 2011-12 Championship season.

Byram is also expected to leave, as he wants regular football and the Whites can’t offer him that, so it makes sense for both parties to part ways.

While we likely know the answers based on how often they have been used, it still does not help that their futures have not been confirmed at the moment.

Farke’s latest comments do not clear anything up, and there are still question marks until the official announcements, which the boss said to expect in the near future, leaving the players sweating over their future and fans in the dark.