Leeds United
Paraag Marathe. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds United will be looking to keep the core of their squad together if they remain in the Premier League come the end of the season.
Due to the impressive seasons that many Leeds players have enjoyed, naturally, there will be plenty of interest in securing their signatures in the upcoming transfer window.
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The 49ers will be aware of this and must stand firm when it comes to rejecting bids for their most prized assets.
United’s ownership group must also address some of their players’ contract situations in the summer, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson about to enter the final year of his deal, and one other valuable member of Daniel Farke’s squad potentially becoming a free agent this summer.
Leeds are expected to offer Karl Darlow a new deal
Darlow, 35, would certainly not have predicted having 15 Premier League appearances to his name this season, especially after Lucas Perri was signed just last summer to be United’s new shot-stopper.
But with the Brazilian failing to meet expectations, Farke had to revert to playing Darlow in a time of crisis, and for the most part, the Welshman has been solid for Leeds since coming back into the team.
Now, ex-Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has claimed he expects Leeds to offer Darlow a contract extension to keep the goalkeeper at Elland Road.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said, “Leeds are keen to keep hold of Karl Darlow, regardless of whether or not they sign a new goalkeeper. He’s proven this season that he can be a good option when called upon.
“It’s always useful to have a player like that in your squad who you can rely on and who also has plenty of experience at club and international level. Plus, if they don’t manage to find a new goalkeeper who is available for the right price, they’re going to need him as one of their options, as we’ve seen.
“Darlow will be happy to stay as well, I expect, given he’s played quite a big role in the side this season and is clearly part of their plans.”
The veteran shot-stopper has more than earned a new contract at Leeds, and it would be foolish of the 49ers not to keep Darlow around for at least another season.
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Data suggests Leeds still need a new goalkeeper
If Darlow’s stay in West Yorkshire is to be extended, it should be under the knowledge that he will return to his previous role as the backup goalkeeper.
Whilst he has steadied the ship for Leeds effectively in the last two seasons following Perri and Illan Meslier’s poor form, Darlow himself is not a long-term solution for Leeds in the Premier League.
Darlow has a goals prevented of -2.85 this season in the league
He himself has made high-profile errors against the likes of Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday this season
Darlow only has three Premier League clean sheets this term (Sofascore)
United will know that a new goalkeeper must be at the top of their shopping list this summer, or they risk having to wheel out Darlow, who turns 36 in October, again for another Premier League campaign.
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