Manchester United are reportedly working on signing veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who will leave Leeds United at the end of the month.
The Red Devils were extremely pleased with Senne Lammens’ first campaign at the club. The 23-year-old became an instant hit at Old Trafford and was eventually voted as the Premier League’s Best Signing of the Season.
Man Utd have also secured the services of 40-year-old Tom Heaton, who will continue to serve as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper for at least another year. However, the identity of the second-choice custodian remains a mystery.
Man United open talks with Karl Darlow
Over the past three years, Altay Bayindir has been United’s No.2 between the sticks. However, the Turkish international is expected to return to his home country, with Besiktas reportedly keen on his services.
Andre Onana will return from his loan spell at Trabzonspor, but MUFC have no plans to reinstate him, so they will try to find him a new destination, or perhaps prolong his stay at the Turkish club.
Therefore, United are on the lookout for a reliable goalkeeper capable of filling in for Lammens when required.
In recent weeks, Darlow emerged as a potential target, especially after producing stellar displays at Leeds, including a stunning reaction against Wolves that won him the Premier League’s Save of the Month Award.
A stunning reaction stop 😲
Karl Darlow wins April's Coca-Cola Save of the Month 🧤 pic.twitter.com/MJ6RVWqdbv
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 8, 2026
During his latest appearance on The United Stand, British football journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Man Utd are currently negotiating with the Welsh shot-stopper.
The Nottingham Forest academy product represented a host of clubs throughout his career, including Hull City and Newcastle United, before joining Leeds in the summer of 2023. However, his contract will expire at the end of the month, so he would be able to sign for Man Utd on a free transfer.
🚨 Talks are ongoing with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow as Man United look to bring in a new backup this summer. Sam Johnstone is also on the list. [@JacobsBen, @UnitedStandMUFC] #mufc pic.twitter.com/Otg9xQfbwu
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) June 18, 2026
In addition to Darlow, Jacobs also confirms Sam Johnstone as a fallback option. The 33-year-old, who is currently Wolves’ second choice, is a Man Utd youth product.
Why Darlow could be the right choice for Man Utd
This summer, Jason Wilcox and Co. are planning to spend the bulk of the transfer kitty on the midfield revamp, while also reserving some funds for a new left-sided reinforcement. Therefore, the Man Utd officials certainly wouldn’t want to allocate a big budget for a second-choice goalkeeper. Thanks to his free-agent status, Darlow would be a suitable choice for the role.
Darlow’s Career Stats Appearances Goals Conceded Clean Sheets
Nottingham Forest 111 144 35
Newcastle 100 136 25
Leeds United 38 42 10
Walsall 12 14 5
Hull City 10 12 2
Newport County 8 6 4
Moreover, the Welsh shot-stopper is accustomed to a secondary role, but he proved his credentials when he was called up to cover for Lucas Perri and ended up overtaking the Frenchman in the pecking order during the second half of the season.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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