Leeds United are facing growing uncertainty over Karl Darlow’s future as Manchester United step up their interest in signing the experienced goalkeeper on a free transfer this summer.
Darlow took over from Lucas Perri as Leeds’ first-choice keeper during the second half of last season and impressed enough to earn a nomination for the Premier League’s Save of the Season award.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the month, Leeds have been trying to tie him down to a new deal. So far, though, no agreement has been reached, and Manchester United’s interest is making the situation increasingly complicated.
Leeds would want to hold on to Darlow. However, work is underway to bring in a replacement, and the club are already working on a deal to sign a World Cup goalkeeper.
Zion Suzuki on Leeds United’s radar
Italian club Parma paid just a little less than £9m to sign Zion Suzuki from Sint-Truiden in the summer of 2024. A few big clubs were also interested in him, but he agreed to move to Italy.
The Japanese goalkeeper’s talent has never been a secret, and after two years in Italy, he is now prepared for the next big step of his career.
His performance in Japan’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands turned heads, and Aston Villa are amongst the clubs that are keen to sign him this summer.
According to SportItalia’s Gianluigi Longari, Leeds have joined the race to sign Suzuki in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds are in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer and have already begun making enquiries to gather more information about the Japanese international.
Nothing is advanced at this stage, but Leeds are definitely lining up a potential move to sign him as a replacement for Darlow this summer.
Parma are prepared to sell him, but are expected to demand as much as £35m for the goalkeeper, hoping to quadruple the money they paid for him two years back.
Darlow is now likely to leave
Leeds have been in talks over a new deal with the goalkeeper’s representatives, and this should have been a straightforward negotiation after his performances last season.
However, with no deal in place, it seems certain that Manchester United’s interest in the Welshman has turned his head.
Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to sign a number 2 goalkeeper, and they have been in talks to understand the requirements of a deal.
They are likely to offer more money to Darlow than Leeds, and considering it could be the last big contract of his career, the financial aspect of a deal will be important.
Leeds hope that the chance to play regularly would still dictate his final call, but his decision to delay a decision points towards a potential Elland Road exit.
