Why Leeds have agreed new contract with Alex Cairns despite zero appearances in two years
Alex Cairns has agreed to stay at Leeds United.
The 33-year-old's deal was set to expire at the end of the month, but he is now set to stick around at Elland Road.
The Doncaster-born goalkeeper returned to the Whites in 2024, but has not played a single minute for Daniel Farke's side in that two-year period.
The Athletic's Beren Cross reported on Tuesday that Cairns has reached a verbal agreement with the Peacocks over a new deal.
That deal was see him stay at the club for another two years, with it now set to run out in 2028.
The senior goalkeeper's new terms will start on 1 July after his current deal expires.
What makes Alex Cairns surprisingly important for Leeds
Leeds have agreed to keep Cairns around because he is vital in terms of morale.
Cross' report revealed that the player is happy to accept a back-up role, and rallies the troops in the dressing room.
He is hugely popular with teammates, and that kind of presence can be a big boost when things are not going right.
If the Whites find themselves in a survival battle, he may well play a huge part in keeping them in the top-flight by keeping positivity up.
How does Daniel Farke feel about Cairns?
Farke's previous comments on the goalkeeper suggest that he was a major factor in deciding to resign Cairns.
The manager loves his attitude and the way that he tries to prove he is the best in training.
Speaking in 2024, the German said: "I actually love him because he came in knowing exactly about this role.
"He knew we've got Illan [Meslier], we've got Karl, top goalkeepers for this level, but he chipped in and tries to prove in each and every training session he's the best one we have.
That shows the kind of influence that he has and why the LS11 side were so keen for him to stay put.
He is clearly a valuable presence behind the scenes, and Farke must feel that it will help keep the positive momentum in the squad.
That is more important that any potential money saved, not that it would likely add it to much as Cairns is nowhere near one of the highest earners at Thorp Arch.
Given the manager's feelings, it was a no-brainer to offer the veteran a new contract, and he will surely be glad that an agreement has been reached with the stopper.