Manchester United in advanced talks to sign goalkeeper Karl Darlow on free transfer

Hupu, July 9th — The Athletic reports that Manchester United are close to signing goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer.

Some details still need to be finalized, but United's pursuit of Darlow is in an advanced stage. With Altay Bayındır expected to leave, Radosław Majecki will need support next season.

The Athletic reported last month that United were considering signing the 35-year-old Darlow. Darlow became a free agent this summer after his contract with Leeds United expired. If he joins United, he will become part of a small group of players to move from Elland Road to Old Trafford, including Rio Ferdinand, Gordon McQueen, and Alan Smith.

Everton have also scouted Darlow. The goalkeeper has made 15 appearances for Wales. Another option for United is Sam Johnstone, who has two years left on his contract with Wolves. The 33-year-old Johnstone came through United's academy.

United have been looking to sign an experienced goalkeeper, preferably with Premier League experience and meeting homegrown player criteria, to help Majecki develop and provide rotation as needed when the team competes in the Champions League next season.

Darlow's Recent Form

In the 2025/26 season, Darlow replaced summer signing Lucas Perry as Leeds United's number one goalkeeper. He started every match from mid-January to the end of the season.

During that 17-match stretch, Leeds lost only four games. Daniel Farke's side finished 14th in the Premier League, securing their survival.

When changing goalkeepers in January, Farke said he felt it was necessary to take Perry "out of the spotlight" because Perry "perhaps didn't meet our expectations in terms of performance."

Farke also described Darlow as a "very reliable, stable goalkeeper who performed excellently for us last season." During the final stretch of the 2024/25 season, Darlow started Leeds' last seven matches, helping the team win the Championship title.

Career Background

Darlow joined Leeds from Newcastle in 2023 on a three-year contract. Since joining, he has made 38 appearances for Leeds. Earlier in his career, he made 111 appearances for Nottingham Forest, then spent nine years at Newcastle with 100 appearances before moving to Leeds.

United's Goalkeeping Situation

In September 2025, United signed Majecki from Antwerp for a fixed fee of €21 million, plus €4 million in add-ons. United have since established Majecki as their number one goalkeeper.

André Onana was loaned to Trabzonspor for the 2025/26 season, and Bayındır never replaced Majecki as a starter after the latter took over. Onana has agreed to join Trabzonspor on loan again.

Radek Vítek, who impressed on loan last season and was named Bristol City's Player of the Year, is attracting interest from several clubs. He is expected to leave United on loan or permanently to secure regular playing time.

The 40-year-old Tom Heaton has renewed his contract with United for one year and will continue to provide important support in training. 23-year-old Dermot Mee also signed a new two-year contract last week and is a valued member of United's goalkeeping department.

Source: New York Times