Leeds United confirm Karl Darlow exit after contract expiry despite new offer | OneFootball

Leeds United have confirmed goalkeeper Karl Darlow has left after his contract expired, despite a new Elland Road offer. The club praised the 35-year-old as an exemplary professional.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the offer did not include a guarantee of the number one role, so Darlow rejected it and has joined Manchester United to act as back-up.

Darlow arrived before 2023/24 and debuted in a League Cup win over Shrewsbury Town. In 2024/25 he started the final seven Championship matches, Leeds won six, and the title was lifted at Plymouth Argyle.

He made his Wales debut that season in a 2-1 away win over Montenegro, following his grandfather into international football. He now has 15 caps and is Cymru’s number one.

Back in the Premier League, he featured 22 times and took April’s Save of the Month for a point-blank stop to deny Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ladislav Krejci.

He departs with 38 Leeds appearances, having helped secure the 2024/25 Championship crown and survival last term. The club also highlighted his commitment to community work.

Leeds planned to recruit another goalkeeper this summer. With Illan Meslier joining Arsenal and Darlow gone, Daniel Farke’s options are Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns until a new signing arrives.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk