Karl Darlow: Leeds’ immediate reaction to Man United’s pursuit of their key man | OneFootball

A goalkeeper signing is expected at Manchester United this summer.

Last summer, in signing Senne Lammens for £18.2 million, United may have laid their hands on the ultimate heir to David de Gea, if last season told us anything.

The 2025-26 Premier League transfer of the season was a revelation between the sticks for the Red Devils. He carried United in games with save after save, the 20-time English champions losing only four times in his 32 league appearances.

In truth, Lammens was what Andre Onana should have been for The 20-English Champions after he joined on a £47.2 million deal from Inter Milan in 2023.

That said, while Lammens has proved himself, question marks have lingered over his deputy, Altay Bayindir. Like Onana, Bayindir failed to prove he possessed the quality to deliver as a United keeper.

Given a big opportunity to prove himself in the first six league games of the season, he failed to show his quality.

Double goalie exit

Now the Turkish international and Onana are both expected to leave this summer, and United are consequently looking to sign another goalkeeper in addition to handing third-choice keeper Tom Heaton a new deal.

There have already been suggestions about which shot-stoppers INEOS can move for, and yesterday, a report claimed Leeds United’s Karl Darlow is one of them.

Karl Darlow impressed last season

Against all odds, Darlow forced himself into relevancy by bringing stability to the shaky Leeds United goalkeeping department. In 22 appearances, the 35-year-old played a key role in the Whites avoiding relegation, posting an impressive 70% save rate and keeping five clean sheets, a fine return for a team desperate to beat the drop.

After the season he had, Leeds should feel safe with him between the sticks. However, if they are to still rely on him, they must move quickly to secure his future, given his current deal at the club expires on 30th June.

INEOS are clearly keen on pouncing on the opportunity that Darlow will be available on a free transfer. And while interest from Manchester is doing the rounds, a defiant message has dropped from Elland Road.

As they revealed their list of released and retained players, Leeds clarified that “the club remains in discussions over the futures of first-team players Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow.”

Man United or Leeds, Darlow has a decision to make

There is hope of Manchester United snatching one of their arch-nemesis’s key players, with the promise of Champions League football and a better deal. But Leeds’ promise of ample game time could equally sway him to stay.

In the end, it may come down to what Darlow wants, but while he looks to make his decision, he need not forget that a chance to play for the great Manchester United only comes once.

Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

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