Leeds United round off their 2025/26 Premier League season at West Ham on Sunday and for some, it will be their final fixture as a member of Daniel Farke’s squad. The Whites will have been safe for two weeks at kick-off in East London with travelling fans set to enjoy a sunny and stress-free afternoon - the same of which cannot be said for their hosts.
Elland Road chiefs will no doubt be planning for a big summer already, with the need clear to strengthen Farke’s squad and avoid the mistakes of previous owners. But 49ers Enterprises have made no secret of the need to be a trading club at this point in the cycle, and exits will happen.
Some summer departures might prove more difficult than others, with huge decisions to be made on fringe players and some in the first-team picture. Below, the YEP takes a look at who could be waving goodbye to Leeds after Sunday’s trip to West Ham - and who hopefully won’t.
1. Illan Meslier - Could wave goodbye
The Frenchman's contract expires this summer and having not played a single minute of competitive football all season, he's virtually guaranteed to leave. It's a real shame how it's all ended given Meslier's role and potential under Marcelo Bielsa, but that's football. | George Wood/Getty Images
2. Karl Darlow - Hopefully won't
Also out of contract this summer but in a very different position to Meslier. The Welshman is Leeds' first-choice goalkeeper at present and has been excellent recently. A new contract feels deserved and he'll offer a good level of competition for any No.1 rivals. | Getty Images
3. Alex Cairns - Hopefully won't
Like Meslier, the 33-year-old hasn't played a single minute but his role as squad goalkeeper is clear. Remains such a valued dressing room figure - why not keep him on? | Getty Images
4. Sam Byram - Could wave goodbye
Last weekend's late introduction against Brighton felt like an Elland Road goodbye for Byram, who recently admitted a desire to play more football before retiring. It's great he got to enjoy being a part of promotion and top-flight survival success. | Local Library
5. Pascal Struijk - Hopefully won't
Leeds have a big decision to make on Struijk, who enters the final year of his contract and would generate serious profit, having arrived for virtually nothing in 2018. But he goes into the 'hopefully won't' category here, due to his leadership skills and the huge challenge of finding a left-footed centre-back as good as him for decent money. | Carl Recine/Getty Images
6. Ao Tanaka - Hopefully won't
Another 'hopefully won't' that could well leave if Leeds strengthen in midfield and need to move others on. Another who fits into that somewhat grim category of good profit, having joined for less than £3m. But he's been pretty impressive in recent weeks and offers in-possession quality no other midfielder can. | Getty Images