Manchester United have now signed former Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Darlow was a free agent after his contract at Leeds United ended on 30 June 2026.
An official announcement from the Old Trafford club: ‘Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Karl Darlow has joined the club, subject to registration. The Wales international has signed a contract until June 2028, with the option to extend for a further year. The 35-year-old has played 279 games, 74 of which have been in the Premier League. Last season, Darlow established himself as Leeds United’s number-one goalkeeper and kept five clean sheets.’
The former United keeper now set to be one of the back up goalkeepers to Senne Lammens who is first choice at Man U.
Karl Darlow: “I am extremely proud to sign for Manchester United. I’m joining an excellent group of goalkeepers and I’m really looking forward to all pushing each other to ensure that we maintain the highest standards, which this club demands. This is a really special opportunity; everyone can see what an exciting time it is for the club and I cannot wait to play my part in supporting my team-mates and helping to drive the group forwards.”
Daniel Farke made Karl Darlow his first choice goalkeeper for the second half of the 2025/26 season, with summer 2025 signing Lucas Perri dropped.
Karl Darlow started every Leeds match from mid-January to the end of the season and they only lost four games in that 17-match run. Perri was dropped after Leeds lost 4-3 at St James’ Park and Darlow then took over.
Jason Wilcox, Man U director of football: “Karl has proven his ability to perform at the highest level, his work ethic and determined personality make him a really strong addition to our squad. We are delighted to add a player of his quality and experience to our excellent goalkeeping group.”
Karl Darlow was sold by Newcastle United to Leeds United for a reported fee of around £0.5m and has recently became a regular for Wales, making his debut for them in September 2024, just weeks before he turned 34.