Leeds United are set to wave goodbye to a second out-of-contract goalkeeper this summer.
Leeds United look set to miss out on re-signing goalkeeper Karl Darlow amid reports a move to fierce rivals Manchester United is close.
Darlow is currently a free agent after his Elland Road contract expired at the end of last month. Leeds remained in talks with the 35-year-old over a possible extension but it quickly became clear they weren’t the only interested party.
Karl Darlow is technically a free agent following the expiry of his Leeds United contract.placeholder image
Karl Darlow is technically a free agent following the expiry of his Leeds United contract. | Molly Darlington/Getty Images
According to The Athletic, Darlow is close to completing his move across the Pennines. A deal to sign the Welsh international is in ‘advanced stages’ with Manchester United pouncing on the opportunity to provide support for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The Belgian will retain his No.1 spot, having impressed following an £18million move from Royal Antwerp last season, with Darlow expected to be second-choice. Currently in his position is Altay Bayindir but the Turkish shot-stopper is expected to leave this summer.
Karl Darlow decision provides Leeds United transfer headache
Darlow ended last season as first-choice with Leeds, having usurped £16m summer arrival Lucas Perri in January. A pair of mistakes against Manchester United and Newcastle cost the Brazilian his place with his Welsh international teammate seeing out the campaign.
A total of 22 Premier League starts for Darlow included a historic night at his new home, with Leeds beating Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford in April. The experienced goalkeeper kept five of his side’s eight top-flight clean sheets last season.
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As a homegrown free agent proven at Premier League level, Darlow was always going to attract serious interest and his decision to seek a fresh challenge is a blow for Leeds. At present, Daniel Farke has just one senior goalkeeper in his squad, that being Perri who struggled last season.
The YEP understands an agreement has been reached to keep Alex Cairns on board but Leeds also waved goodbye to Illan Meslier, who has since joined Premier League champions Arsenal. Darlow’s decision leaves Elland Road chiefs needing to sign at least one goalkeeper this summer.
Leeds will already have a list of potential goalkeeper replacements and with Darlow’s decision all but confirmed, now is the time to work through that list. The YEP understands Japan international Zion Suzuki among a group they like while Manchester City’s James Trafford will have his pick of several options, should he leave the Etihad.
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