Leeds United has strengthened their goalkeeping roster by acquiring Salford City’s Alex Cairns on a permanent basis. After Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow, the 31-year-old will be the third-choice shot-stopper for the Whites after joining them for a small six-figure price.
Born in Doncaster With a two-year deal signed, Cairns replaces Kristoffer Klaesson, who yesterday departed Elland Road to sign with Polish first flight team Rakow Częstochowa. Cairns attended Thorp Arch’s academy and is well-known to United. Before being let go in 2015, he had one senior appearance for the team after moving up to the first team.
With more than 300 league outings under his belt, Cairns has an abundance of expertise in the game. During the previous season, he participated in 51 games for Salford, starting each one as the Ammies placed 20th in League Two. In the Carabao Cup first round match, Cairns also started against Daniel Farke’s team and prevailed over them in a penalty shootout.
An important part of the transfer is that Cairns will be classed as a homegrown player. His arrival satisfies two English Football League regulations.
Cairns is a homegrown player who qualifies as a “club developed player” because he joined the team three years prior to turning 21. According to EFL regulations, a team’s 25-man roster must include at least one “club developed player” and seven homegrown players. Cairns and adaptable defender Sam Byram help United reach that goal.
Farke’s team will be able to name Cairns, Byram, or any of the current Under 21s who have been at Thorp Arch for three seasons or more. Cairns becomes United’s second summer signing, following on from the permanent capture of Joe Rodon. However, on an EFL matchday teamsheet, United must also name one club developed player that has been with the club for three seasons or more. The departures of Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell left the Whites with two club developed players light.
