Karl Darlow’s phone has been buzzing since his Leeds United contract expired on Tuesday. And it’s not just Leeds trying to bring him back.
Everton is interested in the 35-year-old goalkeeper, according to Sky Sports. The Toffees want another body behind Jordan Pickford and Mark Travers, and Darlow fits the profile of a reliable veteran who won’t cost a transfer fee. Free agents get attention this time of year, and Darlow is getting plenty of it.
Leeds already tabled new terms, but the Wales international is taking his time. He has options, and he knows it.
Manchester United lurking in the background
Then there’s Manchester United, which is also weighing a move. The club wants experienced cover behind Senne Lammens, the 21-year-old they signed for £18 million last year. Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana could both be out the door. Onana is expected to join Trabzonspor on loan, and Bayindir’s future is murky at best.
Darlow would be a low-risk addition. He’s homegrown, he’s a Wales international, and he’d come cheap. For a club that might be tight on cash this summer, those things matter.
Darlow’s resurgence at Elland Road
Last season Darlow played 22 of Leeds’ 38 Premier League games. He wasn’t the starter in August. He wasn’t even the starter in December. But after Lucas Perri made costly errors against Manchester United and Newcastle early this year, Daniel Farke turned to Darlow. And Darlow held the job.
That run probably earned him this second act. At 35, he’s not a long-term answer for anyone. But he’s a guy who can step in for a stretch and not hurt you. That has value.
Leeds’ goalkeeper situation is still messy
Right now, Perri is the only senior goalkeeper under contract at Elland Road. That’s it. Alex Cairns has a verbal agreement for a new deal, but nothing is signed. Illan Meslier is a free agent, and Arsenal has shown interest. The club also likes Parma’s Zion Suzuki, but there’s no active pursuit yet.
Goalkeeper is unsettled at Leeds, and Darlow leaving would only make it more so. The club clearly wants him back. But with Everton and Manchester United circling, he might decide the grass is greener somewhere else. Or at least that the check is bigger.
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