Man United have agreed to sign Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow as their new reserve goalkeeper.
The experienced shot-stopper will make a rare direct transfer between the historic rivals to strengthen the club’s goalkeeping department ahead of an intensive domestic and European schedule.
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Romano confirms contract with Karl Darlow to replace Bindil
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have cemented the deal and issued a signed ‘here we go’ confirmation.
The 35-year-old veteran has agreed to join the Red Devils on a free transfer following the recent expiration of his contract at Elland Road.
The administrative process is moving quickly, with all terms finalized and a formal contract signing expected on Friday.
Darlow’s arrival at Old Trafford has completely paved the way for Altai Baindir to leave the club.
The 28-year-old Turkish international has struggled to find consistent playing time since joining from Fenerbahce, making just 17 appearances in all competitions.
Bijndir is expected to return to his home country, with Besiktas leading the race to sign him, with Darlow emerging as second choice behind undisputed number one Senne Ramens.
United had been actively shortlisting an experienced, live-grown back-up option to sit in front of Tom Heaton, ultimately prioritizing Darlow’s more cost-effective move over Wolves’ Sam Johnstone.
Leeds United face a goalkeeping rebuild
Darlow’s departure signals another major change in Leeds’ goalkeeping department.
Daniel Farke’s side had already experienced major turmoil early in the opening game, partly due to the sale of Leeds United’s long-time first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier to Arsenal.
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Darlow famously stepped in in the second half of last season, with Meslier’s departure looming, in a bid to earn a place in the starting lineup, and put in some impressive performances, keeping five clean sheets in 22 top-flight games.
With both senior options gone, Leeds have begun to aggressively shift their focus in the transfer market and bring in targets like Zion Suzuki to completely rebuild their defensive spine.
