Darlow Joins United
Manchester United Nears Free Transfer for Experienced Goalkeeper Karl Darlow to Bolster Depth
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Key Points
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Karl Darlow is a 15-cap Wales international.
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In the 2024/25 season for Leeds United, Darlow established himself as their No.1 and helped drive their promotion push, receiving praise for his performances toward the end of the campaign.
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Darlow's career path includes coming through the Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest academies, a long spell with Newcastle United, and a 2023 switch to Leeds United before his current move.
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Everton showed interest in Darlow and United had also considered Sam Johnstone, highlighting outside competition and alternative targets in the goalkeeper market.
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Leeds coach Daniel Farke described Darlow as a reliable, solid goalkeeper who was 'fantastic for us last season' and who could operate effectively away from the spotlight.
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, according to BBC and Yahoo Sports. The 35-year-old Wales international will join as back-up to young Belgian keeper Senne Lammens, filling a gap left by a major shake-up in United's goalkeeping department.
The signing clears the way for Altay Bayındır to leave the club. André Onana, United's No.1 last season, has already headed out on a season-long loan to Trabzonspor, per Daily Beirut. Darlow's arrival is expected to wrap up quickly, making him potentially United's third summer signing.
Darlow Steps In as United Reshapes Goalkeeper Lineup
United's goalkeeping situation changed fast this summer. Onana left on loan. Bayındır, who spent most of last season on the bench, is now expected to follow him out the door. That left the club needing an experienced back-up — and Darlow fits the bill, BBC reported.
Darlow is not expected to challenge Lammens for the starting spot. His role is to provide reliable depth. He made 22 Premier League appearances for Leeds last season, per Yahoo Sports, showing he can handle the demands of top-flight football without disruption.
Leeds Coach Praised Darlow Before Free Transfer Exit
Darlow left Leeds United as a free agent after helping them push for promotion. Leeds head coach Daniel Farke was full of praise for the keeper, calling him "fantastic for us last season" and describing him as solid and reliable. Farke noted Darlow worked well away from the spotlight — exactly the profile United wanted.
In the 2024/25 season, Darlow became Leeds' No.1 and made a real impact late in the campaign. His performances caught the eye of other clubs too. Everton showed interest, and United had also looked at Sam Johnstone before settling on Darlow as their preferred choice, per BBC.
A Career Built on Reliability Across Top English Clubs
Darlow, a 15-cap Wales international, has spent his career building a reputation as a steady, no-fuss goalkeeper. He came through the academies at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest before a long spell at Newcastle United. In 2023, he moved to Leeds, where he earned first-team football again.
His experience at clubs that know the pressure of the Premier League makes him a low-risk option for United. The club wants depth they can trust, especially with Champions League games on the schedule. Signing a free agent with proven experience fits United's squad-building approach under INEOS ownership, per Yahoo Sports.
Free Transfer Fits United's Careful Summer Spending Plan
Darlow costs United nothing up front. Free transfers have become a key tool for the club as INEOS works to stabilise finances while still adding quality. Bringing in a player with Premier League experience at zero transfer fee keeps the risk low, according to ca.sports.yahoo.com.
The deal reflects a broader strategy — pair proven veterans with younger talent. Lammens gets an experienced mentor beside him. United get cover they can count on. It is a simple, smart move that checks the right boxes heading into a busy season.
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