Manchester United are nearing the signing of experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer following his departure from Leeds United F.C. at the end of June.
The 35-year-old is expected to join the Red Devils as an experienced backup option after leaving Elland Road upon the expiration of his contract.
Darlow enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign with Leeds, making 22 Premier League appearances and finishing the season as manager Daniel Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper. He also remains Wales’ current number one at international level.
His arrival is expected to trigger changes in United’s goalkeeping department.
Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayındır is likely to leave Old Trafford after spending most of last season as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Young goalkeeper Radek Vitek is also expected to depart, either on loan or permanently, after impressing during a loan spell with Bristol City last season.
With veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, now 40, having not featured in a competitive first-team match since February 2023, United head coach Michael Carrick identified the need for experienced cover ahead of the new campaign.
If the deal is completed as expected, Darlow will join United’s squad in time for pre-season preparations, with the club scheduled to begin their summer programme against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.
The move represents another step in United’s efforts to strengthen squad depth as Carrick prepares for the 2026/27 season.
