Leeds United have officially released their retained list, confirming ongoing discussions regarding the futures of Sam Byram, Alex Cairns, and Karl Darlow. Club captain Ethan Ampadu has committed his future by signing a new four-year deal. Illan Meslier is set to leave after a seven-year spell at Elland Road, while Facundo Buonanotte will return to Brighton following a brief Premier League stint totalling 36 minutes.

Darlow, who has attracted interest from several clubs, remains someone Leeds are eager to retain as part of their goalkeeping setup for the next season. According to reports from The Athletic, Manchester United are keen to bring him in as their second-choice goalkeeper this summer. Darlow took over from Meslier during the promotion push and again last season when Lucas Perri was sidelined following a dip in form under manager Daniel Farke.

Byram is largely expected to move on after registering just 86 minutes of senior football across all competitions last season. Cairns, meanwhile, returned to the club in a supportive role within the goalkeeping department, functioning in a capacity similar to that of a player-coach.

Academy talents Connor Douglas, Devon Brockie, Lewis Pirie, and Marley Wilson will also depart when their contracts expire at the end of June. Pirie, a forward who joined from Aberdeen in the summer of 2023, made limited appearances for the Under-21 side during his time with the club.

Leeds have extended a new contract offer to 20-year-old goalkeeper Darryl Ombang, who has spent time on loan with Darlington and FC United of Manchester. Professional contracts have been awarded to Freddie Lane, Jack Morris, Jacob Render, Joshua Hamilton, Will Firth, and Northern Ireland Under-19 international Luke Matykiewicz. Additionally, the club has exercised a third-year option on 18-year-old goalkeeper George Kenyon, while academy scholars Alex Baird and Elton Simo will move on at the end of the season.