Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe in a circular insert.
Leeds United’s transfer deadline day recently came and went without any significant arrivals in West Yorkshire.
However, this has not stopped the transfer speculation at Elland Road, with Lucas Perri potentially on the verge of making the move to Besiktas.
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Aside from that potential deal, the 49ers will likely have turned their attention towards recruitment in the summer, with whatever division Leeds play in next season heavily influencing any potential decisions they make.
But with multiple members of Daniel Farke’s squad having contracts that expire in the summer, the 49ers also have a dilemma as to whether the players in question have earned a renewal, with the most notable name in this crop being Karl Darlow.
49ers have massive Karl Darlow dilemma on their hands this summer
Darlow, 35, has been elevated to first-choice goalkeeper by Farke this season after Lucas Perri has failed to impress since his big money move in the summer.
Darlow has been far from perfect, however, with the Welshman making some costly mistakes during United’s most recent outing against Arsenal.
However, with his, alongside Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Illan Meslier’s contracts all set to expire in the summer and now able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with clubs outside of England, the 49ers must decide swiftly whether they want to renew Darlow’s deal.
Whilst the other players mentioned are likely to be pushed towards the exit at Elland Road, Darlow has had his fair share of game time this season, but given his age and the fact that he is not going to be the long-term solution for Leeds’ goalkeeper issues, Darlow’s future with United is uncertain.
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Data suggests Karl Darlow has been poor this season
Although Darlow may be the best Leeds have in goal at this moment in time, the 49ers cannot afford to see themselves potentially enter another campaign in the Premier League with the £37.5k a week star as Farke’s first choice. (Capology)
A one-year extension that would see him return to being the second or even third choice goalkeeper would be the wisest move from the 49ers, who will surely recognise that the data suggests Darlow is not good enough to play consistently for Leeds.
Stat Karl Darlow
Appearances 8
Goals Conceded per Game 1.6
Saves per Game 2.5 (61%)
Goals Prevented -5.09
(Sofascore)
The fact that Darlow should have conceded five fewer goals than he has this season is an extremely concerning statistic that makes the Whites’ battle against relegation much harder than it already is.
If the 49ers do decide to let him go in the summer, he cannot have any complaints; however, with their inability to recruit a solid pair of hands, it may be best to keep Darlow as an experienced backup option.
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