Perri was brought in last summer to be the club's new first choice keeper but eventually lost the position to Karl Darlow who has himself now left for Manchester United. With Illan Meslier also leaving, Perri is clear first choice again but it goes without saying that the Whites need a new stopper this summer. Get James Trafford in and the back line is absolutely cooking.placeholder image
Perri was brought in last summer to be the club's new first choice keeper but eventually lost the position to Karl Darlow who has himself now left for Manchester United. With Illan Meslier also leaving, Perri is clear first choice again but it goes without saying that the Whites need a new stopper this summer. Get James Trafford in and the back line is absolutely cooking. | Getty Images

Leeds United's strongest XI and bench with pair departing and Whites in talks with three others

Lee Sobot
By Lee Sobot

Leeds United writer

Published 10th Jun 2026, 16:59 GMT

A look at Leeds United’s strongest XI and bench after news of two departures.

Two players are leaving Leeds United who are in talks with three others - so what does the club’s strongest XI and bench now look like?

Leeds released details of their retained list on Wednesday having earlier announced that goalkeeper Illan Meslier would be leaving the club upon his contract expiring this summer.

As expected, Leeds also announced that Argentine attacker Facundo Buonanotte would be returning to parent club Brighton after his loan spell.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, full-back Sam Byram and another keeper in Alex Cairns also see their contracts expire this summer but Leeds revealed that they are in conversations with all three players about their futures.

The club now face a huge summer ahead of their second season back in the Premier League which can often prove even more difficult than the first one back in the top flight.

Summer recruitment will likely be key but this is our idea of the current strongest XI and bench to build up following Wednesday’s news.

Justin initially had to be patient in the wait for minutes after joining the club from Leicester City last summer but the 28-yeare-old then proved extremely reliable when called upon anywhere across the defence as part of a strong run in the side. Unfortunate to be on the bench but a very good player to have there as an option in so many different positions.

13. Sub: James Justin

Justin initially had to be patient in the wait for minutes after joining the club from Leicester City last summer but the 28-yeare-old then proved extremely reliable when called upon anywhere across the defence as part of a strong run in the side. Unfortunate to be on the bench but a very good player to have there as an option in so many different positions. | Getty Images

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Another who has proved a very solid signing and the obvious other back-up defensive option on the bench although young centre back Alfie Cresswell is clearly knocking on the door too and it's worth remembering that Leeds still have an international defender on their books in Max Wober too following his recent loan spells away from the club although quite what the future holds for him remains to be seen.

14. Sub: Sebastiaan Bornauw

Another who has proved a very solid signing and the obvious other back-up defensive option on the bench although young centre back Alfie Cresswell is clearly knocking on the door too and it's worth remembering that Leeds still have an international defender on their books in Max Wober too following his recent loan spells away from the club although quite what the future holds for him remains to be seen. | Getty Images

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The fourth Leeds player who has represented the club at the World Cup with Japan and a player who would probably make the first choice XI if Farke went with three centre mids as opposed to three attackers - as seems more likely with Wilson and Okafor.

15. Sub: Ao Tanaka

The fourth Leeds player who has represented the club at the World Cup with Japan and a player who would probably make the first choice XI if Farke went with three centre mids as opposed to three attackers - as seems more likely with Wilson and Okafor. | Getty Images

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A very capable player on his day who would not look out of place in the strongest XI and another obvious one for the bench although it could be a case of Longstaff or Ilia Gruev as the other midfield option once Gruev returns from injury. Assuming Farke goes for another midfielder on the bench that is.

16. Sub: Sean Longstaff

A very capable player on his day who would not look out of place in the strongest XI and another obvious one for the bench although it could be a case of Longstaff or Ilia Gruev as the other midfield option once Gruev returns from injury. Assuming Farke goes for another midfielder on the bench that is. | Getty Images

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Aaronson was one of Farke's most called on players last season and the American might well still make the strongest XI but it's hard to think that both Okafor and Wilson won't start so Aaronson likely now drops to the bench.

17. Sub: Brenden Aaronson

Aaronson was one of Farke's most called on players last season and the American might well still make the strongest XI but it's hard to think that both Okafor and Wilson won't start so Aaronson likely now drops to the bench. | Getty Images

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By this point Farke is already running out of spaces on his bench but James is probably the next option out wide although it might now be a case of one from James or Gnonto unless a forward is moved.

18. Sub: Dan James

By this point Farke is already running out of spaces on his bench but James is probably the next option out wide although it might now be a case of one from James or Gnonto unless a forward is moved. | Getty Images

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