Leeds United follow Manchester City’s recruitment plan with smart move – View

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Leeds United re-signed 31-year-old goalkeeper Alex Cairns from Salford City this week as their third keeper to replace Kristoffer Klaesson.

Leeds’ transfer business has yet to ramp up in terms of anything vital to the first team, apart from an opportunistic deal for Joe Rodon amid Archie Gray’s departure – even if it is a vital signing – and Joe Rothwell and midfield depth .

More is needed as other fringe players depart and gives Daniel Farke very little wiggle room for depth, but a second permanent signing has arrived.

Leeds have completed the signing of Alex Cairns from Salford City

Leeds’ second transfer of the summer saw them once again sign a player from their past, a longer reunion this time, albeit in goalkeeper Alex Cairns.

The 31-year-old signed from League Two club Salford City, having been their starter since joining in 2023 from Fleetwood Town.

Cairns was between the sticks for the penalty shootout that saw his side succeed against Leeds in their EFL Cup clash in August 2023.

He joins Leeds after leaving in 2015 with one appearance to his name, replacing Kristoffer Klaesson, the club’s third ‘keeper.

Selling Archie Gray for £40m, good or bad business?

Leeds are chasing Manchester City and others with under-the-radar signings

The arrival of a 31-year-old goalkeeper from League Two doesn’t seem like the most revolutionary of deals to complete as a club in the hunt for the Championship title, but there is a reliable method involved.

Leeds are far from the first club to consider signing a 30-year-old goalkeeper who comes third overall and has very little prospect of actually playing much.

Manchester City are perhaps the most notable in this trend, employing Scott Carson behind Ederson and Stefan Ortega – boasting just two appearances since he originally joined from Derby County on loan in 2019, one fewer than succeeded at Leeds as a youth.

However, his role in Pep Guardiola’s squad is not to start, but to bring vital experience to the training ground and dressing room, while providing a great atmosphere and guidance to those around him.

Cairns probably won’t recognize many faces in the Leeds squad this season apart from Sam Byram, but his experience as a footballer could bring a few extra per cent out of a few players.

That marginal gain could be what closes the gap between Leeds finishing third with 90 points and finishing first with more.

There is a reason why many elite clubs have an experienced goalkeeper in their squad.