Outgoing Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is reported to be a transfer target for Manchester United
13:00, 18 Jun 2026
Karl Darlow playing for Wales
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Karl Darlow has been linked with United(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for out-of-contract Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow. According to reports, the Old Trafford club are looking to acquire the homegrown goalkeeper and lure him across the Pennines in a rare move between clubs.
The Athletic have reported that Michael Carrick's side see Darlow as an option with the 35-year-old being discussed by figures at Old Trafford. The veteran shot-stopper will call time on his Elland Road career, bringing an end to his three-year stint where he made 38 appearances.
United are expected to enter the market for a new deputy goalkeeper to Belgian Senne Lammens with Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana enduring difficulties between the sticks. But from Daniel Farke's perspective, the departure of Darlow will come at a cost as Leeds reportedly want to keep the goalkeeper, although there is uncertainty surrounding assurances about first-team football.
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The former Newcastle goalkeeper ended the campaign as United's number one with the club securing their place in the Premier League for another season after embarking on a good run of form.
One of the questions surrounding Darlow's aspirations is whether he wants to first-team football in order to maintain his place in the Wales senior set-up. The 35-year-old has made 15 caps and has been a regular start for Craig Bellamy's side but he will need assurances over his role within the team if he is to sign a new deal.
The Whites released their released list earlier this month with both goalkeepers Alex Cairns and Darlow in discussion with the club. But The Athletic has suggested that there is a possibility that the club will dip into the market for a new goalkeeper.
They add that the 35-year-old may seek a first-team position next season that could rule out a move to Manchester United. But like Leeds, they too are going to endure a reshuffle in that part of the pitch.
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With Illian Meslier leaving his position at the club, the goalkeeping department is limited with Lucas Perri one of the remaining figures to step in.
However, reports suggest that even Perri is facing uncertainty over his future at the club despite only making the £15.6million move a year ago.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown has previously suggested that he would expect Leeds to field calls and accept offers for the goalkeeper. He said: “Leeds want to sign a new goalkeeper. Karl Darlow has done a very good job for them, they're happy with his role, but they feel they need to bring somebody in who can really nail down the starting place.
“That calls into question the future of Lucas Perri, who lost his place in the starting XI, and it looks like he's not going to be part of their plans.
"If an offer comes in for him that will allow them to make their money back, I expect Leeds will be ready to accept it, and then it can be spent on bringing in his replacement."
It would be a surprise to see Leeds offload the goalkeeper given the lack of depth they have between the sticks. Braga’s Lukas Hornicek has been mooted as a potential addition at Elland Road.
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The 23-year-old goalkeeper is said to have impressed in Portugal's top-flight and has established himself as one of the highest-rated shot-stoppers in the division. Mail Online have claimed that Leeds are among the clubs to have shown an interest in recent months but both Inter Milan and Porto were also named.
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