The news of Karl Darlow’s exit surprised some Leeds United fans when it emerged. Many thought that the veteran would remain at Elland Road after how he finished the season.
Despite Lucas Perri starting the campaign as the first choice, Darlow came in and cemented his place.
The Welsh international was a big part of why the team finished in 14th place and survive relegation. He gave a more settled presence in goal and the team was better with him overall.
Leeds offered the 35-year old a new contract this summer when his current deal expired, but he chose to leave as a free agent.
Leeds United take aim at Manchester United after Darlow move
On Tuesday, Leeds United officially announced that Karl Darlow has left the club.
In a farewell post on their media pages, and a long statement on their website, the West Yorkshire club failed to acknowledge his move to Manchester United. The Whites’ Premier Leave rivals have also announced Darlow’s arrival in the same time span.
The club thanked the veteran for this time at Elland Road.
”Throughout his time in West Yorkshire, whether starting in goal or providing competition to the goalkeeping ranks, Karl has been an exemplary professional and has also dedicated countless hours to the ongoing community work delivered by the Leeds United Foundation’s initiatives.”
”The 35-year-old departs Elland Road having made 38 appearances for the Whites, playing an important role in the team’s 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship title-winning season and helping the club retain their Premier League status with survival last term.”
”Thank you Karl for your dedicated service to Leeds United, we wish you and your family the best for the future.”
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Keeper’s exit complicates transfer plans this summer
Now that Karl Darlow has left, there should be more concern at the club.
This leaves them with just two first team keepers haead of preseason. Alex Cairns recently signed a new deal, and Lucas Perri is also still with the team despite links to European clubs.
Last season, the Whites had four options in the squad for all competitions.
The priority will be to sign a keeper good enough to become the starter as the new season approaches. And given the current market conditions, it will not come cheap.
The 49ers will have to rely on their recruitment team to find the right fit and avoid the mistake they made with Perri last year.
I’m afraid they dug themselves into this hole. One or two more seasons with Darlow as number one goalie would have done no one any harm and also given Leeds the chance to find the right fit and get them settled in.
Why should Perri worry about the situation he knows he is not wanted by the manager.
Come on get yourselves sorted out and look sharp about it.
We have an open goal as things stand.