Manchester United went hunting for a backup goalkeeper at Leeds United and came back empty-handed. Karl Darlow, the 35-year-old who emerged as Leeds’ starter last season, is expected to sign a new two-year deal at Elland Road instead.
The Leeds Press reported the news first. An inside source told the local paper Darlow is on the “cusp of signing a new two-year contract with the Yorkshire giants.” That would kill United’s hopes of a cheap, experienced No.2 behind Senne Lammens.
Why United needed a keeper
United’s goalkeeping depth chart is basically a revolving door right now. Andre Onana spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor and just agreed to another year there. Altay Bayindir, the Turkey international, is expected to head back to his homeland — Besiktas is interested. That leaves Michael Carrick with Lammens as the clear starter and Tom Heaton as the third-choice after signing a one-year extension.
So yes, they need someone. Darlow made 22 Premier League appearances for Leeds last season and helped keep the newly promoted club up. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady. And at 6’3″, he fits the physical profile United likes.
The Leeds side of things
Darlow’s contract was set to expire this month, which is why United thought they could swoop in for a bargain. But Leeds clearly value what they’ve got. The delay in negotiations created some noise, but now it looks like Darlow stays put and remains the No.1 for Daniel Farke’s side.
For United, that means moving down the list. Nottingham Forest’s Angus Gunn and Wolves’ Sam Johnstone — a former United academy product — are reportedly on the radar. Neither would cost much, but both are experienced English keepers who could slot in as the backup.
The whole situation is a reminder that even in the backup-goalie market, timing and loyalty matter. Darlow had a chance to return to a bigger club, maybe even compete for more trophies. Instead, he chose to stay where he’s the guy. Hard to argue with that.
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