Leeds United confirm second goalkeeper signature in two days with contract agreement

A second goalkeeper signature in as many days has been announced by Leeds United. Less than 24 hours after Alex Cairns’s arrival, out-of-contract stopper Harry Christy has agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

The 20-year-old was among the players whose previous deals expired on June 30, but Christy was offered fresh terms by United. The academy graduate has come through the ranks at Thorp Arch and established himself as one of the regulars between the sticks with the under-21s.

Dani van den Heuvel’s summer departure should mean Christy will be Scott Gardner’s first choice next season. Cairns’s arrival as third-choice stopper will restrict Christy’s chances with the first team, but the youngster did travel to several matches under Daniel Farke last season outside the matchday squad.

A club statement said: “Harry becomes the latest young player to commit his future to Elland Road and everyone at the club looks forward to seeing his continued development at Thorp Arch.”

Christy is the first of United’s out-of-contract players to have their new contract announced. Offers were also made to Cody Drameh, Joe Snowdon and Luca Thomas. Jamie Shackleton has since agreed terms with Sheffield United, while Leeds have said talks with Liam Cooper remain ongoing.

Earlier on Tuesday, scholar Reuben Lopata-White had his first professional contract announced. Connor Douglas, Joe Richards, Daniel Toulson and Marley Wilson were also made professional offers this summer.

Eleven players were confirmed to be released in the club’s retained list last month: Charlie Allen, Luke Ayling, Lewis Bate, Keenan Carole, Stuart Dallas, Cuba Diboe, Scott Godden, Ian Poveda, Morten Spencer, Harvey Sutcliffe, Van den Heuvel.