Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Credit: Imago
Some shocking news this week hit Leeds United; with Karl Darlow set to leave. The veteran will not be signing a new deal at Elland Road.
His contract expired over a week ago, and he is a free agent.
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Manchester United and Everton were interested parties, with Michael Carrick’s side having won the race according to reports. Darlow will sign and join the goalkeeping core at Old Trafford.
This now means that Leeds are down to just two first team keepers.
Last season the club had four options in the squad. But they have lost Illan Meslier, who left on a free transfer, and now Karl Darlow.
Alex Cairns has officially signed a new deal, and will remain at Elland Road beyond this season. Leeds were keen on keeping him around as he is a positive influence in the dressing room.
What Leeds United have planned this summer
Leeds United are in the market for a new goalkeeper.
It is one of the club’s priorities this summer, as plans reveal about five or six signings will be made in this window.
And things have become complicated over the past week with news that Darlow is not coming back to Elland Road. The Whites have been linked with multiple targets recently.
Derby County’s Jacob Zetterstrom and Parma’s Zion Suzuki have been on the radar.
When it comes to Suzuki, Leeds are in the race but have not really pushed to sign the Japanese international.
One target that the Whites will not pursue is Orjan Nyland. According to Football Insider, the club are ‘unlikely’ to sign the free agent this summer. His age is a concern, as well as the competition for him.
Many European clubs already have their eye on the 35-year old after his World Cup performances.
READ MORE: Leeds handed major boost as goalkeeper commits future after Karl Darlow exit
Orjan Nyland would have been a stop gap
Nyland would have been a decent option to be first choice last year.
But looking beyond the upcoming season would have been complicated. He would be 36 in the coming year, and that alone would make it difficult to keep him around for too long.
Leeds need a keeper for now and the long-term future.
Lucas Perri not panning out well shows just how easily plans can go left. And just months after signing the Brazilian on a huge price tag, the team now have to replace him.