Karl Darlow is officially a free agent, and it looks like Leeds United are about to lose another goalkeeper. The 35-year-old saw his contract expire on Tuesday, and according to Sky Sports, both Everton and Manchester United are circling. Leeds have offered him fresh terms, but Darlow hasn’t signed yet. He’s weighing his options, and the Premier League clubs are making that decision a little more complicated.
Darlow played 22 matches for Leeds in the Premier League last season. That’s not nothing. He’s homegrown, a Wales international, and proven at the top level. For a team like Everton, who need depth behind Jordan Pickford and Mark Travers, he’s a low-cost, low-risk move. Manchester United have their own depth issues in goal, and Darlow fits that same profile for them.
Leeds’ goalkeeper situation is getting messy
Darlow started last season as the backup. He covered for Illan Meslier during their promotion run in 2024/25, then fell behind summer arrival Lucas Perri. But after Perri made two costly errors against Manchester United and Newcastle earlier this year, Darlow found his way back into the starting lineup. That kind of seesaw situation doesn’t exactly scream stability.
Right now, Perri is the only senior goalkeeper at Leeds under contract. That’s it. The club is reportedly close to agreeing a new deal with Alex Cairns, but nothing is official yet. And then there’s Illan Meslier. He’s also a free agent now, and he’s drawing interest from Arsenal. The Gunners might want him as cover for David Raya. So Leeds could be losing two goalkeepers in one window with only one replacement in sight.
It’s not hard to see why Darlow might hesitate. He’s 35, he’s got a good reputation, and he can probably still play at a high level for a couple more years. If he signs with Everton or Manchester United, he’s likely the No. 2 guy. At Leeds, he could be the starter again — but is that worth the uncertainty?
Leeds fans are watching this unfold with some anxiety. They’ve already seen their squad change a lot in recent years. Losing a steady hand like Darlow — especially with Meslier also walking out the door — would force the club to find two new goalkeepers this summer. That’s a tough ask for any team, let alone one trying to stay in the Premier League.
For now, Darlow is taking his time. He’s listening. And with Everton and Manchester United interested, he might not be in a Leeds shirt next season.
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