Leeds United have confirmed the exit of an ‘exemplary professional’ from Daniel Farke’s senior squad, despite the offer of a new Elland Road contract.
The Whites have released a statement confirming the departure of goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The 35-year-old was offered a new deal at Elland Road this summer but the YEP understands it did not come with a guarantee of the number one spot. Darlow rejected the offer and instead decided to join Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United, where he will provide back-up for the first-choice keeper.
Leeds’ statement read: “Leeds United can confirm Karl Darlow has left the club upon the expiration of his contract to pursue an opportunity elsewhere. Despite the offer of a new deal to remain in West Yorkshire, the goalkeeper wished to explore a different challenge and leaves the Whites with the best wishes of everyone at Elland Road.
“The stopper linked up with Daniel Farke’s side ahead of the 2023/24 season, making his debut in a League Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town. The following campaign, Darlow starred in the final seven Sky Bet Championship encounters. United won six of those, culminating in the second tier trophy being lifted at Plymouth Argyle on the last day of a record-breaking year.
“It was in that same term when Karl made his international debut, following in the footsteps of his grandfather by representing Wales. His maiden outing came in a 2-1 victory over Montenegro away from home. He now has 15 full caps for the Dragons, establishing himself as Cymru’s number one.
“With Leeds United back in the Premier League, the keeper featured 22 times in the top flight and his fine form was recognised as he collected April’s Save of the Month award for his outstanding stop to deny Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ladislav Krejci from point-blank range in April.
“Throughout his time in West Yorkshire, whether starting in goal or providing competition to the goalkeeping ranks, Karl has been an exemplary professional and has also dedicated countless hours to the ongoing community work delivered by the Leeds United Foundation’s initiatives.
“The 35-year-old departs Elland Road having made 38 appearances for the Whites, playing an important role in the team’s 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship title-winning season and helping the club retain their Premier League status with survival last term. Thank you Karl for your dedicated service to Leeds United, we wish you and your family the best for the future.”
Leeds’ summer plan was always to bring in another goalkeeper. The departures of Illan Meslier, who has joined Arsenal, and now Darlow leaves Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns as Farke’s options, until the club recruits their new stopper. Talk in Italy has linked Perri with a move to Torino, while the Whites are known to hold interest in James Trafford and Zion Suzuki.
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