ruttermania wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 9:16 am
I would have thought that DF has to bear in mind the possibility that we may not source a No.2 goalkeeper before the season starts and that therefore while it may not be ideal that you have give Cairns gametime for the moment even if it's not ideal. I doubt very much that the Club see him as a realistic option for the full season . Okafor looked like he is going to take it up a notch this season and so maybe some of the negativity about his role was overplayed. Gnonto also looks like a player who might offer a bit more and stake a claim for more starts which would give a few different options.
Hopefully this, from Farke, will allay fears about Cairns being our no2 keeper. Seems it was more about protecting Trafford then keeping Cairns match sharp.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says James Trafford "was desperate to play" Wednesday's friendly against Manchester United despite only completing one session with the Whites beforehand.
Trafford, who cost a club record fee of £40m, only joined up with Farke's squad on Tuesday before travelling to Dublin to face United.
Despite this, the England international was in the starting XI and played 45 minutes before being replaced by Alex Cairns.
His first-half performance, most notably tipping Bryan Mbeumo's sharp effort round the post, was enough to earn him Man of the Match.
"I was a bit unsure in the beginning, but he was so desperate to play," said Farke. "We just have two games so I need the connection.
"The medical department were really concerned, but I took the responsibility. Once a top class player wants to play football, you don't stand in the way too much.
"I think [this being] the first time [he's played for Leeds] was good for his confidence.
"Everyone could also see why we signed him, and also although he's not in full fitness, he looked sharp and quick. He has good presence on the pitch and is good with his feet.
"We are all happy to have him.
"It's also good that he came through the game without an injury and that he has his first 45 minutes under the belt.
"We'll use the next [few] days to work further with him and then hopefully he can prove when the real stuff starts what a what a big signing for us he could be."
Cjay wrote: ↑Sat May 17, 2025 4:23 pm
I've pretended to support a team that's been crap for most of my life as part of a long term plan
Victor_Notts-17 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 01, 2026 7:03 pm
Did you post them because there's something wrong with your brain
Victor_OTT_17 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 2:21 pm
Letting Bornauw go is 100% stupid! Where do we get someone as good who is happy to come as backup and how much will that cost? We have to tell Bornauw that he is contracted here and he is behind Rodon/Turik/Bijol. Being first backup is not a bad position is it? Maybe he is contracted to start if fit and that means our hands are tied
And probably Justin
"A mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work if it's not open"
The Subhuman wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 3:11 pm
And probably Justin
Agree though I presume JJ is LWB/RWB backup and Bornauw has to be CB backup. It's all about what is in Bornauw's contract. I think it would be a huge mistake to let him go. Hamburg should be made to pay a transfer fee (no loan) and I'd value Bornauw at £12m. If they want him badly enough we should slap a £15m price tag on him.....
Without a clean and legitimate transfer fee being paid, Bornauw is our player. No way I let him go out on loan with an option to buy. That set's a very BAD precedent, and reeks of the bad old days. The 49ers would lose a lot of respect in my eyes if they do this.
A clean sale, with at least something in the form of profit has to be the standard. We've improved the player and his profile. He's a Premier League quality player now. And he's under a FIVE YEAR CONTRACT!
The Subhuman wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 7:27 am
You are kidding Cairns has beeen good? ... He's been willing but he is what he is, a lower or non league goalkeeper. Very very poor in the pens last night, looked dodgy right through preseason. If he's our 2 next season we only have one GK at the club, we'd need Trafford to stay healthy..
I think the point was just that Farke sees him as the number 2. Lets hope Trafford doesnt get injured.
andrewjohnsmith wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 4:21 pm
I think the point was just that Farke sees him as the number 2. Lets hope Trafford doesnt get injured.
I was responding to the claim
Farke might be planning to reward Cairns' impressive form with a permanent spot on the bench as the designated number two for the upcoming campaign.
I doubt very much that Farke sees Cairns as a 2 at all.
Last edited by The Subhuman on Thu Aug 13, 2026 4:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"A mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work if it's not open"
What I dont get about yesterdays game is that if Bornauw is leaving, why did he play 90? Just doesnt make sense. Minutes (either all or some of those) would have been better given to Leniou or Mills.
andrewjohnsmith wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 4:23 pm
What I dont get about yesterdays game is that if Bornauw is leaving, why did he play 90? Just doesnt make sense. Minutes (either all or some of those) would have been better given to Leniou or Mills.
Probably hoping he picked up a knock to scupper any deal.
Let's be honest, he's got form on this front.
But seriously, we should be making a decent profit or pulling his contract out the draw and giving it a wave.
andrewjohnsmith wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 4:24 pm
And I'm with you that he's not very good. Hellish gamble to pin all hopes on 38 games for Trafford this season.
Why not just keep Perri as number two and see if he can improve by being around Trafford.
Another one who is on a LONG contract
Johnthewhite wrote: ↑Thu Aug 13, 2026 4:35 pm
Why not just keep Perri as number two and see if he can improve by being around Trafford.
Another one who is on a LONG contract
I agree. Issue with Perri was probably his wages and we're probably offloading those.
Theres probably much more to the story. The club wanted to keep Darlow around but were only ever going to pay him back up money (knowing they'd make a splash on Trafford). Understandable that Darlow would leave as he'd only stay at Leeds for a starting spot and if he's only a bench keeper, Scum will pay him more.
Club is probably trying to find a second keeper that won't cost them much. ANd Cairns playing yesterday is probably an admission that he could end up being 2nd in line.
