Leeds United’s second summer signing was confirmed on Monday night with Alex Cairns joining from Salford City on a permanent deal.
Leeds’ summer transfer business is not yet at its peak, but two signings are going through the door faster this time than the first arrival last year.
After signing Joe Rodon to an indefinite contract, the club made a smart move to bolster squad depth and locker room experience.
Goalkeeper Alex Cairns, 31, has been confirmed as the Whites’ latest summer signing, returning from League Two Salford to the club where he made the transition from youth to senior football.
Cairns left Leeds in 2015 after just one appearance, in disaster at home side Blackpool, replacing Paul Rachubka.
He has now returned in a deal described as Leeds paying a “nominal fee”, helping the club fill their quota of home-grown players while adding depth to the goalkeeping department following the sale of Kristoffer Klaesson.
Cairns has now shared his reaction to his return to Leeds from Salford City, posting this message on social media, looking forward to what lies ahead for the club that was here when Ken Bates and GFH Capital were owners:
It will no doubt be very exciting for Cairns to see what the club looks like now with ambitious owners who don’t destroy it.
For Cairns in particular, the return to Thorp Arch will be a surreal moment with the complex rejuvenated after years of neglect by Ken Bates and GFH when it was in our ranks.
He may not play for us this season, but his importance in the dressing room is something that can help a lot.