🚨BREAKING: End of an Era at Elland Road as Leeds United Release Full Exit List🚨
Leeds United have revealed the full list of players that will leave the club this summer following their successful survival in the Premier League, with a long-serving fan favorite included😳
📚Read More updates on Full-list😳➡️
Leeds United have officially confirmed their retained list as the 49ers Enterprises and manager Daniel Farke begin a vital summer of recruitment. With top-flight safety virtually guaranteed after a resilient campaign, the Whites are moving on from several stalwarts to make room for marquee signings like Hidemasa Morita and Danilho Doekhi.
The headline departure features a modern-day Leeds legend who has been part of the club’s journey through the highs and lows of the last seven years, marking a true “end of an era” for the Elland Road faithful.
The Full Exit List: Summer 2026
As Leeds prepare for a massive second consecutive season in the Premier League, the following players will officially depart when their contracts expire on June 30:
• Illan Meslier: The most high-profile exit on the list. After six years and over 170 appearances, the French goalkeeper is set to walk away for free. Once the undisputed number one, Meslier has not featured for the senior side this season following the arrival of Lucas Perri, marking a quiet end to a once-glittering Leeds career.
• Sam Byram: A true favorite of the fans and the manager alike. After returning to his boyhood club and helping them secure promotion, Byram’s second spell comes to an end. Limited to just a handful of Premier League minutes this season due to injury and competition, the 32-year-old departs with the best wishes of the entire city.
• Karl Darlow: The experienced Welsh international, who stepped up as the number one during the mid-season period, is expected to move on. Despite his vital contributions in goal this term, the club is reportedly seeking a younger long-term partner for Perri.
• Alex Cairns: The academy product and reliable third-choice keeper departs. While a massive presence in the dressing room and a key part of the coaching support on matchdays, Cairns will look for a fresh start as his contract concludes.
• Sebastiaan Bornauw: While not out of contract, reports suggest the £5m defender is nearing a return to the Bundesliga with FC Koln. After playing a backup role this season, the Belgian is seeking regular first-team football.
• Facundo Buonanotte: The exciting Argentine midfielder returns to Brighton & Hove Albion following the conclusion of his season-long loan. While he was a spark in the Leeds attack, there is no option for a permanent move included in the deal.
The Summer Outlook
The 49ers are wasting no time in spending the Premier League prize money. Reports from Portugal suggest a deal for Sporting CP’s Hidemasa Morita is “well underway,” while Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi is expected to arrive on a free transfer to bolster the defense. Meanwhile, fans are keeping a close eye on the futures of Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk, who are entering the final years of their current deals.
Leeds United would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all departing players, especially Illan Meslier and Sam Byram, for their dedicated service to the club.
