Leeds United brought their season to a disappointing end with a 3-0 defeat away at West Ham United, though the result carried little significance as the Hammers were relegated regardless.
Goals from Valentin Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson gave West Ham a final home win in what has been a difficult season. However, victory for Tottenham Hotspur confirmed their drop from the Premier League.
Daniel Farke will probably be disappointed his side failed to capitalise on a strong first-half spell, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming under scrutiny after missing a big chance.
The Leeds manager could also have gripes over the nature of at least a couple of those goals, which could end up having a big impact on contract negotiations with a certain player.
Karl Darlow could have done better for at least two goals
The Welshman has been a steadier presence in goal compared to Lucas Perri. However, on the last day of the season, he failed to impress.
He was hesitant coming out for a corner and was ultimately left in no man’s land for Castellanos’ opening goal for West Ham after the break.
Karl Darlow also could have done much better in covering his far post and seemed too concerned about getting beaten at his near post when Jarrod Bowen found the corner of the net.
He couldn’t have done much better to save the third goal from Callum Wilson. However, ahead of crucial contract negotiations, he looked poor between the sticks.
The Welshman is out of contract at the end of the season, and Leeds are expected to sit down for talks over a new deal with the player’s representatives.
However, Leeds are also in the market for a new goalkeeper, and Darlow’s performance might have accelerated their efforts for a new number one in the summer.
Could he leave?
Illan Meslier will move on from the club, and Leeds will have to move out either Karl Darlow or Perri to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer.
The Welshman has been the steadier goalkeeper, but Leeds invested big in Perri and may not decide to give up on him just yet.
Darlow will hope that a poor final day will not cost him. However, his contract situation makes it easier for Leeds to let him leave at the end of the season.
They may want to give Perri one more season to prove himself while bringing in a new goalkeeper to bolster their ranks for the 2026/27 campaign.
