As expected, a lot of the focus from the Leeds United fanbase has been on potential new signings this summer.
But before the 49ers can turn their full attention to attracting new recruits to West Yorkshire, the futures of multiple players who are current members of Daniel Farke’s squad need to be addressed.
United have done this with Ethan Ampadu, with the Welsh midfielder signing a new long-term contract. But whilst Ampadu’s future has been resolved, Pascal Struijk’s is seemingly still up in the air.
The Whites also look to be closing in on agreeing a new deal with Karl Darlow. At one stage, the goalkeeper looked set to leave United when his contract expired at the end of the month.
49ers look as though they can breathe a sigh of relief regarding Karl Darlow
It’s been no secret that Darlow has been the subject of interest from other clubs this summer.
The 35-year-old’s performances at Leeds last season reportedly caught the eyes of Tottenham and Manchester United. Both clubs reportedly felt as though Darlow could be a steady backup option, who could push their first-choice shot stoppers, whilst also being classified as a homegrown talent for the quota.
However, according to the latest report from the Daily Mail on Tuesday, Darlow looks set to extend his stay in West Yorkshire.
The Whites and Darlow look to be coming to terms on a new two-year deal to keep the goalie at Elland Road. As a result, Manchester United have been forced to reevaluate their options, with Wolves’ Sam Johnstone being another potential target for them.
Undoubtedly, the 49ers will be breathing a massive sigh of relief. To secure Darlow’s services for another two years, even when other clubs were circling, can’t have been easy.
For the last two seasons, Darlow has stepped up for us when needed to be the first-choice ‘keeper. So keeping him around was certainly important.
Karl Darlow has an important role to play again next season
Considering that Darlow only improved as the season went on, there’s a case to be made that he should remain Farke’s first choice next season.
Regardless of this, Darlow will certainly have to play a crucial role in the squad once again, either way. And his role is likely dependent on the future of Lucas Perri.
If Perri stays, Darlow will likely keep his place in between the sticks as our first choice.
However, if Perri is loaned out or sold, you would imagine we would splash out on another goalkeeper.
If this is the case, Darlow will be responsible for pushing whoever the new signing is in training.
If they fail to settle for whatever reason, like Perri last season, he has proven to be able to come into the side midway through the campaign and perform.
This is an attribute that cannot be understated, so keeping Darlow around is an excellent decision from the 49ers.
The fact that it looks set to ruin Manchester United’s transfer plans, too, is also a welcome bonus.
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