Leeds United’s Depth Chart Breaks After Three Key Exits — The Risk Zone Is Clear

The situation at Elland Road just got a whole lot more interesting. Leeds United officially released their retained list this week, and while the club tried to frame it as routine business, sources close to the situation are buzzing about what it really means for next season. The bombshell: goalkeeper Illan Meslier is out the door when his contract expires, and Facundo Buonanotte is heading back to Brighton after his loan spell. That’s two big pieces of the puzzle gone, and insiders say the roster is far from settled.

According to reports, the club is also in active discussions with three out-of-contract players — Karl Darlow, Sam Byram, and Alex Cairns — but nothing is guaranteed. One source told us that Darlow’s future is particularly murky, with Manchester United reportedly sniffing around him as a backup option. If Darlow bolts, Leeds could be staring at a full-blown crisis between the posts heading into their second season back in the Premier League.

The Starting XI That Could Be — Or Could Fall Apart

Assuming Darlow stays, he’s the clear No. 1 after a stellar second half of the season, but the uncertainty is real. In a 5-3-2 formation, Jayden Bogle locks down the right-back spot, and James Justin provides versatile cover across the back line. The center-back trio is headlined by Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, and Pascal Struijk, but Struijk’s contract expires next summer, which could create more drama down the line. Bijol, a summer 2025 signing from Slovenia, turned heads in the second half of the campaign, but is he ready to carry the load if the roster gets thinner?

At left-back, Gabi Gudmundsson is the standout choice and one of four Leeds players expected to compete at the World Cup. But here’s the kicker: sources say the club’s recruitment push this summer could make or break the season. With key players leaving and contract talks dragging, every week feels like a ticking clock for the front office.

One insider described the current situation as “a pressure cooker” — with the team desperate for stability before the transfer window closes. Fans are reportedly nervous, but not panicking yet. The question is whether Leeds can lock down the right pieces before the dominoes start falling the wrong way.