Karl Darlow finished the season as Leeds' No.1. Manchester United are now interested in him
Manchester United are interested in Karl Darlow, who became first-choice goalkeeper at Leeds at the end of the season. The club is in contact with the possibility of joining the family as a free agent; Tottenham also show up as a division to record.
Manchester United are currently searching the goalkeeper market and Karl Darlow, Leeds' late season No.1, has emerged as a candidate. The club's talks have not yet reached the stage of proposals or contracts, but discussions are underway to assess feasibility in terms of fees and wages.
Darlow is 35 years old and is available as a free agent as his Leeds contract expires at the end of the month. With the fixtures looming ahead of the season, United will need to sign another goalkeeper as a solution to the problem will be sought. He could also face interest from Tottenham Hotspur for a regular fit — Tottenham currently have growing confidence in Antonin Kinski, but Gujiliemwo Vicario's future in north London may be uncertain.
According to United's position, they want to bring in the experienced No. 2 to back up first-choice Sanne Lummens — the reason there will be so many fixtures against the club next season. There are also reports that Andre Onana is set to leave the club, with his wages around £160,000 a week, suggesting United's priority is to reduce the team's wage bill. Onana spent last season on loan at Turkish club Trabzonspor; A return for pre-season is planned for July but there are speculations that another loan or a permanent move could occur.
Altai Baydinr was also Lummens' backup last season and there is a possibility of a sudden return to his native Turkey, a complaint from him. He was linked with Istanbul clubs like Beşiktaş.
Sam Johnstone from Wolverhampton is also being discussed as another goalkeeper option. Although Johnstone still has two years left on his contract at Molineux, sales may be necessary to reduce the cost of the club's operating funds following the recession from the Premier League. Johnstone is 33 and has 380 club appearances in his career, including 85 in the Premier League.
In United's vision, the club also considers young talent. Radek Vitek (22), who won on loan to Bristol City, is a possible name; He played 41 games in the Championship and kept 12 clean sheets. However Vitek is often among those who seek specific first-team length, so it is difficult to keep him a long lock.
Tom Heaton signed a one-year extension notice this month and is valued as a dressing room motivator at the Carrington base. However, at the age of 40, he has not played a senior match since February 2023.
Given the size of Leeds, despite the antipathy towards Darlow, he often started as a back-up and managed to secure a place midway through the season: 2025 transfer Lucas Perisci took the place in January and put in solid performances to last until the end of the season. His career includes around 300 club appearances, 74 Premier League matches and 15 caps for Wales.
While Leeds hope to keep him, it is uncertain whether Farke will guarantee him any definite playing time. The 35-year-old Darlow could have a back who wants more starting opportunities next season — a move to a club like Atlanta United would be a no-brainer.
Darlow's move to Manchester may not be too outrageous for Leeds fans, as his career overhaul has been characterized by nomenclature, City's lack of deep roots, and the fact that he is in the substitute goalkeeper category.
All in all, United are probing the goalkeeper market and consulting with veterans like Darlow — with the club likely to move closer to a decision once the session ends.