Leeds United's Karl Darlow linked with Manchester United transfer

Leeds United finished 14th in the Premier League in the 2025/26 season. Daniel Farke's side had doubters about whether they would stay in the Premier League, but they confirmed their safety with a handful of games remaining in the season.

One standout performer for the Whites across the 2025/26 season was goalkeeper Karl Darlow, whose contract is expected to expire this summer. The Welsh keeper joined Leeds in 2023, and he broke into the side last season, making the starting spot his.

This season, he has been Leeds United's first-choice goalkeeper, playing 22 league games out of 38. In those fixtures, he kept five clean sheets and made numerous huge saves across the season, helping Leeds United's survival.

With the keeper's contract expiring this summer, he is not short of offers either. Leeds United have made an offer for their first-choice goalkeeper, but they will face competition from other clubs interested in the 25-year-old. One of those clubs interested is Leeds United's biggest rivals, Manchester United.

Michael Carrick's Red Devils are reportedly looking to make a signing in the goalkeeping area this summer, and departures in that area of the pitch are also expected.

Andre Onana is one keeper heavily tipped to leave this summer, and Altay Bayındır has been rumoured with a move back to Turkiye. If two goalkeepers do leave this summer, then United could look to bring in Karl Darlow.

Sam Johnstone has also been linked with a return to Old Trafford, reports The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell. With both Johnstone and Darlow available as free agents, Man United's temptation to make a move for either will be higher than if they had to pay a transfer fee.

Leeds United will do everything possible to keep Karl Darlow, especially with backup goalkeeper Lucas Perri being linked with a move away from Elland Road. However, with Darlow's contract expiring, the decision about his future is solely in his hands.