Leeds United are increasingly confident that goalkeeper Karl Darlow will sign a new two-year contract with the club, despite interest from Manchester United, according to sources at TEAMtalk. The 35-year-old Wales international has become a key figure at Elland Road, securing his place as a reliable option after Leeds achieved a 14th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.
Darlow’s impending free agency had attracted attention from several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and, more recently, Manchester United, who were seeking cover and competition for Senne Lammens. However, Leeds have offered Darlow a new deal that surpasses his current arrangement, and the club believes the player’s strong relationship with manager Daniel Farke, coupled with a growing Welsh contingent within the squad, will convince him to stay.
The potential renewal of Darlow’s contract will have ramifications for other goalkeepers at Leeds. The club has already allowed Illan Meslier to depart on a free transfer, and has agreed a new two-year deal with veteran stopper Alex Cairns, who serves as the team’s third-choice goalkeeper. Despite these moves, Leeds are still aiming to sign a new number one, with Parma’s Zion Suzuki and Manchester City’s James Trafford among the options being considered.
However, the most likely outcome of these developments is the potential departure of Lucas Perri. Signed for £13.9 million last July, Perri has failed to live up to expectations and has largely been overlooked by Farke in favour of Darlow. Leeds are now open to offers for the Brazilian, with Besiktas among the clubs monitoring his situation, though a loan deal is also a possibility. Any sale would likely result in a loss for Leeds, given Perri’s initial transfer fee. Should Leeds fail to secure a new goalkeeper, Perri may be asked to remain and compete for his place.
