Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United are set to allow two goalkeepers to leave – one permanently and one on loan – solidifying Karl Darlow as the primary backup to Senne Lammens.
The transfer window is approaching its final stages, meaning there will be plenty of movement for the remainder of the month.
Middlesbrough are swooping for Radek Vitek, and Altay Bayindir has agreed to sign for Celta Vigo on loan with a buy option included worth approximately £3.4m, which is dependent on appearances.
The departure of two goalkeepers means United are in the process of shaking up their options for a second consecutive summer. Last year, Senne Lammens was signed from Royal Antwerp, leading to Andre Onana’s initial loan spell at Trabzonspor.
Karl Darlow of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on July 14, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Time for Karl Darlow to step up when required at Man Utd
Middlesbrough are in the process of signing talented United academy goalkeeper Vitek for around £6m, while Bayindir is set to spend the entire season in Spain.
Both goalkeepers will be aiming to play regular football throughout the 2026/27 season rather than playing second fiddle at Old Trafford because there is no way they are getting into the team past Lammens, who will be embarking on his second campaign as a Red.
All of this means that new signing Karl Darlow will be called upon if Lammens is ever absent. The Wales international signed a contract this summer until June 2028, with the option to extend for a further year.
The 35-year-old arrives at Old Trafford in the latter stages of his playing career, after playing 74 times in the Premier League.
Darlow knows the pressure will be on whenever he is called upon to play for United.
The former Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, and Leeds stopper could be limited to appearances in cup competitions, though Lammens will be expected to start so long as he’s fully fit.
Of course, Darlow was made aware of that when signing for the club, but it doesn’t take anything away from his importance in the team as back-up goalkeeper. It’s a crucial role, so Michael Carrick needs someone he can trust to step in when required.
Bayindir wasn’t a reliable back-up option, while Vitek has a bright future and is determined to play every week.
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Darlow has won the Championship league title twice in his career.
The first triumph in the Championship came at Newcastle during the 2016/17 season, but he won it again with Leeds in 2024/25.
Furthermore, Darlow won the award for Premier League Save of the Month in April 2026 before leaving Elland Road.
Hopefully, a run in the cup competitions will see more honours for our players at United this term.