Karl Darlow: Major U-turn by goalkeeper leaves door wide open for Man United transfer

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The Peoples Person

2 July 2026

A goalkeeper signing is one that

Manchester United

were poised to make this summer.

Andre Onana

is set to

return to Trabzonspor

on another season-long loan, and it is expected that the Turkish club will turn it into a permanent deal.

Altay Bayindir

is also expected to leave, with

suggestions

that a return to Turkey could be on the cards.

Radek Vitek

, who could have replaced the two, is expected to be sold.

In the end, United’s goalkeeping department may end up with only

Senne Lammens

and third-choice keeper

Tom Heaton

United therefore have no option but to pursue a back-up for Lammens.

Up until last week, Leeds United’s 35-year-old goalkeeper

Karl Darlow

was a strong candidate to join as United’s number two.

With his deal at Elland Road expiring, INEOS were

keen on signing him

on a free transfer.

However, the Whites, for whom he played a key part in their Premier League survival, were not ready to lose him for nothing. Thus, it was claimed they had

convinced him

to sign a new deal.

But then, a day after his deal expired, Darlow had yet to sign a new one, with

Sky Sports

giving an interesting reason why. It is reported that “Leeds have offered him another deal, but the goalkeeper is considering his options.”

Furthermore, “Everton and

have shown interest in

, who is now a free agent after his Leeds contract expired.”

While there is the battle with Everton to consider, the fact that Darlow has yet to agree to a new deal, despite discussions reportedly ongoing for some time, clearly tells its own story.

His head has evidently been turned, and hopefully for INEOS, it is the chance to join United and play Champions League football that has done it.

As immense as he was for Leeds last season, the 6ft 3in goalkeeper could be the perfect alternative to Lammens. He could help

Michael Carrick

rest Lammens when needed, rather than overusing him as last season, simply because he does not trust the alternatives.

Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

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