Leeds United star's honest verdict on Karl Darlow Manchester United transfer decision

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu admits it’s ‘always sad’ to see valued teammates leave but wishes the best for now Manchester United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Darlow became the first player in 22 years to swap Elland Road for Old Trafford this summer, joining Manchester United on a free transfer. The 35-year-old penned a two-year deal with the option of a further year across the Pennines following the expiration of his Whites contract.

A new offer was on the table at Leeds but the YEP understands plans to sign a new goalkeeper meant he could not be guaranteed the No.1 spot. At Manchester United he is expected to be second choice behind Senne Lammens, with current back-up Altay Bayindir likely to leave.

Darlow was part of a Welsh core among Daniel Farke’s squad with himself, Joe Rodon, Daniel James and Ampadu joined by free agent arrival Harry Wilson this summer. And the goalkeeper left with no ill will from what is now his former skipper.

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“I think Karl’s decision is Karl’s decision,” Ampadu told BBC West Yorkshire Sport. “I know him well as a player and a person, so it’s always sad when you see someone close to you - also Pascal [Struijk] and Illan [Meslier] - when you see someone you’ve worked hard with go, it's always a sad thing.

“But when people leave it's nothing but wishing everyone the very best in their careers. I know when me and Karl go away with Wales, we’ll still get on well and we’re still going to try to achieve a good Nations League and qualify for the Euros so we’ll speak to Karl then.”

For Ampadu and his compatriots, the focus will have quickly turned away from Darlow’s exit and back onto Leeds. The Whites captain signed a new four-year deal himself this summer and hopes to build on last season’s 14th-place finish - although the primary goal, once again, is staying up.

“I understand it [avoiding relegation] is something we have to think about,” he added. “In the second season, survival is our first goal. We have more goals but that has to be the first goal for everyone, that’s every team’s first goal and then from there you can build as a club and as players or staff, we all want to build on.

“But it’s to make sure we hit that first goal and then I think we’re in a good place and we’re confident we can achieve more. Getting off on the best foot helps minimize the talk but also makes you grow in confidence that bit quicker.”