Wrexham should hijack Leeds United's Karl Darlow plan | OneFootball

Wrexham need defensive and goalkeeper upgrades this summer, and Karl Darlow's situation at Leeds should be on their radar

Wrexham enjoyed an overall successful first campaign back in the second tier after over 40 years away. Despite the disappointment of finishing just outside the play-offs, they achieved the highest league finish in their EFL history.

What's also encouraging is that, from the outside, it seems rather clear where Phil Parkinson's side needs to improve to go at least one better next season and secure a postseason spot, but also perhaps to push even further towards the automatic promotion places.

While Wrexham boasted the sixth-best goal return in the division, they ended the campaign with just a +4 goal difference, owing to 65 goals conceded, the sixth-most in the league.

Defensive upgrades must be made, and ones in goal likely should be, too. Danny Ward struggled to impress in the early stages of his time at the Stok Cae Ras, and when he went down with a dislocated elbow just four games into the season, Arthur Okonkwo, who had been integral to their promotions in League Two and League One, also wasn't up to scratch.

In the end, while Wrexham still faced the fourth-most shots on target in the Championship this season, per Opta, they weren't exactly helped out by their goalkeepers, and a top shot-stopper will likely be on Phil Parkinson's shopping list this summer.

Wrexham should target Karl Darlow this summer

Wrexham used its location to tempt some Welshmen operating at a top Championship level to the Stok Cae Ras last summer, with the likes of Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead following Ward to the club.

Phil Parkinson should do the same this coming transfer window and target out-of-contract Karl Darlow, who has emerged as a top-quality goalkeeper in the Premier League this season at Leeds United.

The 35-year-old was initially brought to Elland Road to serve as backup in 2023, and until April last year, that's exactly what he was, being the cup keeper while Illan Meslier held down the number one spot.

But, when the Frenchman's mistakes became too much of a threat to Leeds' promotion hopes, Daniel Farke turned to Darlow, who kept four clean sheets in the final seven games as the Whites reached 100 points and won the Championship title.

He would then resume his role as the number two in the summer, when Leeds spent £15.6 million on Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri.

But that signing proved to be a flop, and in mid-January, following Leeds' 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United, Darlow was reinstated back in goal, and he's been an integral part of their survival bid, the club losing just three of the 16 games since his return.

The 35-year-old has kept five clean sheets in that run, including last weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion, where he made seven saves to keep his clean sheet intact. He also won Premier League Save of the Month for April when he denied Wolves' Ladislav Krejci.

Evidently, Darlow is good enough to be a Premier League keeper, so for a side with top-flight aspirations, he could help Wrexham shut up shop at the back and boost their promotion credentials.

Wrexham would have to outbid Leeds United in contract talks

However, owing to this run in the team, a lot of Leeds fans are growing warmer to the idea of tying Darlow down to fresh terms, with the 35-year-old out of contract in June, and making him their first-choice next season.

Ultimately, the higher-ups at Elland Road have a decision to make. With the veteran keeper not getting any younger, and the fact that he was a clear emergency replacement midway through the season, would it be better to go out and buy a new shot-stopper elsewhere?

The Yorkshire Post have reported that Leeds are open to handing Darlow a one-year extension on his deal, so they're keen on keeping the Welshman around for the time being.

But that does give the idea that the Whites aren't completely open to allowing him to be the new number one. With Perri still on the sidelines, perhaps he'll be given another chance. Or perhaps they'll look elsewhere and have Darlow begin next season as he did this, waiting in case the new arrival isn't at the level.

Wrexham should, therefore, be eager to try and offer the 35-year-old better and more secure terms, ones that perhaps give him more money, maybe even a multi-year deal. But overall, it should come with the guarantee that he'll be first-choice, which may not be the case at Elland Road next season.