Leeds United thought they had a real shot at keeping Karl Darlow around. Instead, the veteran goalkeeper is now reportedly close to signing with Manchester United, according to The Athletic. Talks have reached an advanced stage, and it looks like the 35-year-old will pick Old Trafford over staying at Elland Road.
This is a pretty big pivot for Leeds. Darlow wasn’t just some depth piece last season. He was the guy. After Lucas Perri, the club’s $20 million summer signing, made costly mistakes against Manchester United and Newcastle in January, Darlow stepped in and never left. He started 22 Premier League games and kept five of Leeds’ eight clean sheets in the league. That includes a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in April. So yeah, he mattered.
What Darlow’s move means for United
Manchester United’s top keeper is Senne Lammens, who took over last season after an $18 million move from Royal Antwerp. He’s expected to stay the No. 1. Darlow would come in as his backup, with Altay Bayindir likely on his way out this summer. For a free agent signing, that’s a low-risk, high-experience play.
Darlow had offers on the table from Leeds, Manchester United, and Everton, per reports. He’s picked his next challenge. Leeds, meanwhile, are left with just one senior goalkeeper on the roster: Perri. And that’s after Illan Meslier left for Arsenal earlier this window.
Daniel Farke now has to go shopping. At least one new keeper is coming to Leeds this summer. Maybe two, depending on how the club views Perri’s form after his rough patch. The front office has work to do, and the Darlow decision just made it more urgent.
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