Leeds United were dealt a significant setback last week after it emerged that Karl Darlow is set to join Manchester United on a free transfer.
The experienced goalkeeper became a free agent when his contract at Elland Road expired at the end of June. Leeds had been optimistic about keeping him, with the club expecting the 35-year-old to put pen to paper on a new two-year deal.
Instead, the Welsh international has agreed to move to Old Trafford and is expected to undergo a medical shortly before completing the switch.
His departure leaves Leeds with a major gap to fill between the posts, and the club have already identified several goalkeepers who could come in and fill the hole left by the Welshman’s departure.
Read More: Leeds United clarify goalkeeper plans after Karl Darlow’s departure
Leeds United clarify stance on free-agent goalkeeper
Following Darlow’s departure, Leeds are left with Alex Cairns and Lucas Perri as their only two goalkeeping options in the senior squad ahead of pre-season.
Perri has also been linked with a move to Torino, who have earmarked the Brazilian goalkeeper as their dream target for the summer.
Leeds have identified Derby County’s Widell Zetterstrom as one of their priority targets, and the Championship club expect offers for him after an impressive World Cup.
However, another World Cup goalkeeper is on the lookout for a new club, and he is available on a free transfer.
Leeds have their eyes on Norway’s Orjan Nyland, but according to Football Insider, the Whites are not one of the favourites to sign him.
Nyland is expecting offers on his table from several clubs after playing a big role in Norway’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, and teams are expected to make lucrative offers for him.
Leeds have been backed to sign the 35-year-old goalkeeper. However, they are not the frontrunners in the race to sign him.
Orjan Nyland could be a good emergency option, but….
If Perri leaves Leeds, the club will need to sign two goalkeepers, and their budget could emerge as a major hindrance this summer.
Nyland represents a good emergency option – an experienced goalkeeper with European experience and available on a free transfer.
He has previously played in England, and after the World Cup, he is likely to have several big-money offers on his table in the ongoing window.
Leeds could tempt him back to England with the offer of playing in the Premier League next season. However, at this age, the financial aspect of a deal will play a big role.
It is likely to be his final chance to get a big-money contract, and Leeds may not want to offer big wages to a 35-year-old.
