FOOTBALL
By Piyush Wankhede
Posted on June 12, 2026 7:00 pm | Updated on June 12, 2026 12:48 pm Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.
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News emerges from Man Utd as they seek a transfer for Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow. This comes as a result of uncertainty over the future of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir at Old Trafford.
Karl Darlow emerges as an experienced option for Man Utd
As reported by GOAL, Manchester United are exploring a move for goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United. They need a backup goalkeeper before the 2026/27 Premier League season starts. As reported by ONE FOOTBALL, the 35-year-old is going to be a free agent at the end of June. This makes him an attractive option to look at for the Red Devils.
Darlow had a good season with Leeds as he got consistent game time as the first-choice goalkeeper. In season 2025/26, he played 22 matches for the club and registered 5 clean sheets and 63 saves while conceding 27 goals in the Premier League. He came in the spotlight when he won the Premier League save of the month award in April.
Karl Darlow previously was a part of Newcastle United’s team. As reported by BBC, in 2023 he was signed by Leeds from Newcastle. Thus, it is safe to say that he has lots of valuable Premier League experience that he can bring to the squad. He can be a good backup option for United’s current first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
According to the report by GOAL mentioned earlier, Leeds would like to keep Darlow at the club by giving him a new contract. But if Manchester United make an approach, the player will be eager to join such a big football club and play in the UEFA Champions League.
Karl Darlow’s stats for Leeds United in season 2025/26 across all competitions, as per FotMob:
Competition Matches Clean Sheets Goals Conceded Saves
Premier League 22 5 27 63
EFL Cup 1 0 1 2
Manchester United goalkeeping situation
Manchester United’s new boss Michael Carrick will want stability in the goalkeeping department. As reported by The Standard, Andre Onana joined Trabzonspor in 2025 for a year long loan. Now reports indicate that Man Utd do not want him back at the club. Trabzonspor want to have Andre Onana back on loan as they can’t afford huge transfer fee along with his high wages.
As per journalist Simon Stone from BBC, there are no other clubs that are interested in signing Andre Onana on a permanent transfer this summer. Therefore, the situation of Onana remains complicated. Reports from Caught Offside reveal that transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United’s second choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is expected to leave the club this summer. Bayindir wants game time and at this moment it does not feel possible for him to get regular minutes at Old Trafford.
Experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton has recently signed a new contract at United. But he is 40 years old now and will not be able to compete for places with Senne Lammens. Thus, reports from The Athletic suggest that the Red Devils are exploring options who can be a backup to Senne Lammens, and Karl Darlow has now emerged as a potential target.
Man Utd assess their options
Manchester United will be patient and assess more options in the market before making a final decision. As reported by GOAL, Sam Johnstone from Wolves is also in Man Utd’s shortlist. United will only sign Johnstone if they sell Bayindir. Still, signing Darlow on a free transfer can save their funds.
Karl Darlow might not be a big signing, but his experience and homegrown status makes him an attractive option to improve squad depth. If a deal is made it will strengthen United’s goalkeeping department as Michael Carrick will eye strong performances next season.
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Piyush Wankhede
Piyush Wankhede is a Junior Football Writer at Six Sports, contributing articles focused on football news, match developments, and player performances. As an emerging voice in football journalism, he provides clear and engaging coverage that helps readers stay updated on key events and stories in the sport. Through his work at Six Sports, Piyush delivers concise match reports, player analyses, and feature pieces that highlight trends and narratives shaping modern football. His writing combines attention to detail with accessibility, making it easy for readers to follow football developments.
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