Manchester United close to signing goalkeeper Karl Darlow on free transfer
Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign 35-year-old Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his Leeds United contract expired. Darlow, who helped Leeds secure Premier League survival last season, will serve as backup to first-choice Senne Lammens. The move is expected to trigger the departure of current backup Altay Bayindir. Darlow’s signing adds Premier League experience and homegrown depth as United prepare for multiple competitions, including the Champions League. Personal terms are still being finalized.
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Leeds refuse to mention Man Utd as Karl Darlow leaves for bitter rivals
Manchester United signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, making him their second summer signing. The 35-year-old joins after three years at Elland Road, where he made 38 appearances. Leeds United's announcement of his departure conspicuously omitted Manchester United's name, reflecting the intense rivalry between the clubs. Darlow is the first player to move directly from Leeds to Manchester United in 22 years, following notable figures like Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand. Darlow expressed pride in joining United, while United's director of football Jason Wilcox praised his experience and work ethic. Separately, United completed £85m in deals for midfielders Andre Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Leeds refuse to mention fierce rivals Man Utd as Karl Darlow leaves Whites for Old Trafford
Manchester United signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, making him their second summer signing. The 35-year-old former Newcastle stopper spent three years at Leeds, playing 38 times. In announcing his departure, Leeds deliberately omitted Manchester United's name from their statement, reflecting the bitter rivalry between the two clubs. Darlow is the first player in 22 years to move directly between Leeds and Manchester United, following high-profile transfers like Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand. Darlow expressed pride in joining United, while United's director of football Jason Wilcox praised his experience. Separately, United completed £85m combined deals for Andre Santos (from Chelsea) and Youri Tielemans (from Aston Villa).
Leeds refuse to name Manchester United as Karl Darlow leaves for bitter rivals
Manchester United signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United on July 14, 2026, making him their second summer signing. The 35-year-old former Newcastle stopper spent three years at Leeds, playing 38 times. In announcing his departure, Leeds United deliberately refused to name Manchester United as his destination, instead stating he left 'to pursue an opportunity elsewhere,' reflecting the intense rivalry between the two clubs. Darlow is the first player in 22 years to move directly from Leeds to Manchester United, following high-profile transfers like Gordon Strachan, Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand, and Alan Smith. Darlow expressed pride in joining United, while United's director of football Jason Wilcox praised his experience and work ethic. United also completed deals for Andre Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million.
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Manchester United Sign Wales Goalkeeper Karl Darlow On A Two-Year Deal
Manchester United have signed veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a two-year contract until June 2028, with an option for an additional year. The 35-year-old Wales international joins as a free agent after his contract with Leeds United expired, where he was the starting goalkeeper last season. Darlow began his career at Nottingham Forest, making 111 appearances. He becomes the sixth goalkeeper in United's current squad, joining Bayindir, Heaton, Onana, Lammens, and Mee. United director Jason Wilcox praised Darlow's proven ability at the highest level and his work ethic. Darlow expressed pride in signing for the club and excitement about contributing to the team's high standards.
Karl Darlow assigned Manchester United shirt number 12
Manchester United have confirmed that new signing Karl Darlow will wear the number 12 shirt for the 2026/27 season. The experienced goalkeeper, who previously wore number 26 at Leeds United, becomes Michael Carrick's second summer signing after Andrey Santos. The number 12 became available after Tyrell Malacia left the club following the expiry of his contract. Darlow is expected to serve as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The move comes amid changes in United's goalkeeping department, with Andre Onana departing on loan to Trabzonspor and Altay Bayindir expected to leave before the transfer window closes. Darlow previously wore number 12 during spells at Hull City and Nottingham Forest. The shirt was famously worn by Chris Smalling, who made 323 appearances for United, and previously by goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Manchester United signs Karl Darlow on a free transfer
Manchester United has announced the signing of Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer. The 35-year-old, who spent the last three years at Leeds United, was out of contract and has agreed to a two-year deal with the Red Devils, running until June 2028 with an option for an additional year. The club confirmed the move via an official statement and social media post on July 14, 2026. Darlow, a Welsh international, is expected to bolster Manchester United's goalkeeping options as the club prepares for the upcoming Premier League season.
Manchester United Sign Goalkeeper Karl Darlow on Free Transfer After Leeds Exit
Manchester United have signed veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a two-year contract with an option for a third season, following the expiration of his contract at Leeds United. The 35-year-old Wales international, who made 38 appearances in three seasons for Leeds, turned down a new deal at Elland Road to move across the Pennines. The signing is expected to lead to the departure of Turkey international Altay Bayindir, who nearly joined Besiktas in January. Darlow will likely start as deputy to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who is on a three-week break after Belgium's World Cup campaign. Darlow is set to feature in Manchester United's pre-season, beginning against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July. He expressed pride in joining the club and looks forward to maintaining high standards within the goalkeeping group.
Manchester United Signs Goalkeeper Karl Darlow on Free Transfer from Leeds United
Manchester United has officially confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, subject to registration. The 35-year-old Welsh international has signed a contract until June 2028, with an option to extend for an additional year. Darlow has made 279 career appearances, including 74 in the Premier League, and was Leeds United's first-choice goalkeeper last season, keeping five clean sheets. In his statement, Darlow expressed pride in joining Manchester United and excitement about contributing to the team's high standards. Football Director Jason Wilcox praised Darlow's professionalism, experience, and strong character, stating he is a valuable addition to the club's goalkeeping group. The transfer was announced via Manchester United's official website and reported by Hupu soccer news.
Manchester United Complete Second Signing of 2026/27 Season: Karl Darlow
Manchester United have officially completed their second signing of the 2026/27 season, announcing the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Leeds United. The 35-year-old Wales international has signed a contract until June 2028 and will provide experienced competition and support for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The move comes as Altay Bayindir prepares to leave Old Trafford and Andre Onana has agreed another loan move to Trabzonspor. Tom Heaton recently signed a new one-year contract, while Dermot Mee also extended his stay. Darlow brings significant Premier League and Championship experience from his time at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Leeds United. He helped Leeds secure Premier League survival with a 14th-place finish last season. Director of football Jason Wilcox praised Darlow's work ethic and determined personality. The signing follows Manchester United's earlier acquisition of midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons.
Manchester United set to announce signings of Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow on Friday
Manchester United are expected to announce the signings of midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea and goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United on Friday, July 10, 2026. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Santos, 22, has completed a successful medical and will sign a contract until June 2031 with an option for a further year, in a deal worth £50 million including a 10% sell-on clause for Chelsea. Darlow, 35, arrives on a free transfer to serve as the homegrown backup to starting goalkeeper Senne Lammens, facilitating the expected exit of Altay Bayindir to Besiktas. Additionally, Atalanta midfielder Ederson is undergoing medical assessments for a €44 million (£38.8 million) transfer, which would be United's third summer signing as they strengthen their midfield for a return to Champions League football.
Manchester United agree deal to sign Karl Darlow from Leeds United as backup goalkeeper
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano with his signature 'here we go'. The 35-year-old veteran will join the Red Devils as backup goalkeeper, replacing Altay Bayindir who is expected to leave the club, with Besiktas leading the race for his signature. Darlow's arrival clears the path for Bayindir's departure, as United sought an experienced, homegrown backup option ahead of an intensive domestic and European schedule. The move is a rare direct transfer between the historic rivals. Darlow had stepped up as Leeds' starter in the second half of last season after Illan Meslier's impending exit, keeping five clean sheets in 22 Premier League matches. Leeds United are now facing a goalkeeping rebuild after losing both Meslier and Darlow, and are pursuing targets like Zion Suzuki.
Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow set for Manchester United move
Manchester United are close to signing veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer. The 35-year-old Wales international left Leeds United at the end of June after making 22 Premier League appearances last season, finishing as Daniel Farke's first choice. The move is expected to trigger the exit of Altay Bayindir, who was understudy to first-choice Senne Lammens. With Radek Vitek also set to leave and 40-year-old Tom Heaton not playing a first-team game since February 2023, head coach Michael Carrick needed additional backup. Darlow will join the pre-season campaign starting against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July if the deal goes through.
Manchester United Agrees Deal with Leeds United for Goalkeeper Karl Darlow
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has reached an agreement with Leeds United to sign 35-year-old Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The deal is complete, with the player expected to sign the contract on Friday local time. Darlow will serve as Manchester United's backup goalkeeper for the new season. The report also indicates that with Darlow's arrival, Manchester United's current backup goalkeeper Bayindir is expected to leave the club this summer. The news was published by Hupu Football on July 9th.
Manchester United Agree to Sign Karl Darlow as Backup Goalkeeper
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign Karl Darlow as the team's new backup goalkeeper. The deal is completed, and the player will sign on Friday. The contract runs until June 2029 and includes an extension option. As a result, current backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is expected to leave the club. The news was reported by Hupu Football on July 9, citing Romano's 'Here we go!' confirmation.
Karl Darlow set to sign for Manchester United
Manchester United are close to signing veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow as a free agent for the 2026/27 season, according to The Athletic. The 35-year-old, who left Leeds United, is expected to provide experienced backup for first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens. This move would allow Altay Bayindir to leave Old Trafford this summer. Darlow's arrival would add depth to Michael Carrick's squad as United prepare for multiple competitions. The club has already strengthened midfield with agreements for Chelsea's Andrey Santos and Atalanta's Ederson, though the latter deal faces complications. Darlow's signing would complete a goalkeeping reshuffle following Lammens' successful debut season, where he kept eight clean sheets in 32 Premier League appearances and won the Premier League Signing of the Season award. Personal terms and final details are still being negotiated.
Manchester United Close to Signing Goalkeeper Karl Darlow on Free Transfer
According to The Athletic, Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign 35-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer after his contract with Leeds United expired. The move aims to provide experienced backup and competition for current number one Radosław Majecki, especially with Altay Bayındır expected to leave. Darlow, who has 15 caps for Wales, became Leeds' starter in the 2025/26 season, helping them secure Premier League survival. United are also considering Sam Johnstone as an alternative. The signing would add a homegrown, Premier League-experienced goalkeeper to support the team's Champions League campaign. Darlow previously played for Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, making over 100 appearances for each.