Not many might have predicted that Leeds United’s second signing of the summer would be from England’s fourth tier, but Alex Cairns has arrived after the first addition of Joe Rodon.
Leeds have been much more focused on getting players out the door this summer. Charlie Cresswell’s move to Toulouse on Monday is the fourth sale made, after Archie Gray, Marc Roca and Kris Klaesson.
Sonny Perkins, Jack Harrison and Sam Greenwood have gone on loan, while Jamie Shackleton has gone on a free to Sheffield United. Right now, Liam Cooper, Ian Poveda and Cody Drameh are free agents.
More are expected to go in the next week or two before Leeds really make waves when it comes to incoming signings. Rodon was only added permanently because of Gray’s £40m move to Tottenham.
Cairns breaks silence after making sensational Leeds return
Cairns meanwhile, returns to Leeds after nine years away from the club. He left in 2015 having only managed one senior outing, Cairns a second-half sub during a dismal 5-0 defeat to Blackpool in 2011.
Since then, he has become a bit of a Fleetwood legend after seven years there. In January 2023, he joined Salford City before a move was made permanent, starring against Leeds in the Carabao Cup last term.
Cairns even saved a penalty from Georginio Rutter, and that has clearly left a lasting impression on Daniel Farke. Cairns returns to Leeds on a two-year deal, and he took to X to underline his delight at returning.
Indeed, Cairns has been impressed by Leeds from afar, highlighting the “unbelievable” strides the club have made since his exit in 2015.
He said: “Delighted to join the club that taught me my craft and a club I have much affection for. For years I’ve looked on and seen the club make unbelievable strides and can’t wait to be apart of that. Now to get stuck in with the work and to help in whatever means necessary.”
Cairns also shared a touching message to Salford supporters
The goalkeeper obviously arrives at Leeds to be the club’s third-choice option, after Klaesson chose to move on to pastures new after three years at Elland Road. He has joined top-tier Polish side Rakow.
Plenty have responded to his move to Leeds, with Robert Snodgrass and Ross McCormack among those to comment on Instagram. Alex Mowatt pointed fun at Cairns’ hair, which has delighted Sam Byram.
Cairns also took the time to send a touching message to Salford and the club’s fans. The side, who are owned by the likes of Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and David Beckham, finished 20th in League Two last term.
He said: “Just want to say a big thank you to everyone associated with Salford. You took me in and I’ve loved every minute of the journey. Some really good people within the football club. I wish you all nothing but success in the future and will always be watching on.”
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