Manchester United 'consider' transfer move for Leeds United star as contract decision looms
Leeds United look set to face competition if they want to keep the first-team regular.
Out-of-contract Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is reportedly a transfer target for Manchester United.
Darlow signed a three-year contract upon joining Leeds in 2023 and is set to become a free agent this summer, as things stand. But the 35-year-old has become an important member of Daniel Farke’s side, once again stepping into the No.1 role midway through the 2025/26 campaign.
The Welshman started 22 Premier League games last season, covering for Lucas Perri during an autumn injury before usurping him for good in January. A string of fine performances impressed Leeds fans but seemingly caught the eye of Premier League rivals, too.
The Athletic report that Manchester United are now ‘considering a move’ for Darlow as they look to add depth and experience to their goalkeeping department. The Old Trafford club signed Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens for around £18million last summer and he enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in England.
But behind Lammens, Manchester United are lacking. Altay Bayindir, signed for around £4m in 2023, has struggled and is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer. Unlike all three current options, Darlow holds extra value in that he is homegrown.
Darlow is likely to have a few suitors this summer, given his nature as a free agent, homegrown status and proven ability to cope in the Premier League last season. He is also a fully-fledged Wales international and currently nailed on as No.1 under Craig Bellamy.
According to the Athletic report, Leeds want to keep Darlow and are set to table a new contract offer. Wolves’ Sam Johnstone is also a potential option for Michael Carrick’s side, having come through the club’s academy as a youngster.
"I think Karl was fantastic in the last weeks and last months, to be honest since the first day I worked with him, not just his performance on the pitch, but also how he is as a human being,” Farke recently said when asked about Darlow’s future. “And I've got not just the highest respect for Karl, but also I rate him so, so high.
“Karl knows this 100 per cent, there's a big, big trust between each other, and you can read, perhaps even a bit in between the lines, if you want. But I will just speak about the future, once everything's confirmed."