Leeds United confirm Karl Darlow departure as Manchester United move nears | OneFootball

Leeds United have confirmed Karl Darlow’s departure ahead of a move to Manchester United. The club said in a statement that he left at the end of his contract to pursue another opportunity despite a new offer, and thanked him for contributions to the 2024/25 Championship title and last season’s Premier League survival.

Leeds held renewal talks with the 35-year-old but could not guarantee the number one shirt. Manchester United have sought an upgrade on back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and Wales number one Darlow is set to serve as cover for Senne Lammens.

Darlow joined from Newcastle United for £400,000 during Daniel Farke’s first summer in 2023. He began each of his three seasons as second choice, then forced his way to first pick in the last two campaigns.

He started the final seven matches of 2024/25 after Farke dropped Illan Meslier, steering Leeds to promotion and the Championship crown. Last season he replaced new signing Lucas Perri as number one in January. He finished with 22 league appearances and five clean sheets, and his stop from Wolves’ Ladislav Krejci won April’s Premier League save of the month.

With the risk of beginning a fourth campaign as understudy, Darlow is set to cross the city divide for improved wages in what is most likely the final big-money contract of his career. Leeds have praised his character during his time at Elland Road. He departs having made 38 appearances and kept 10 clean sheets, lifting a Championship title.

Source: Leeds Live