Manchester United signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a two-year contract with an option for a further season, the club announced on July 14, 2023 [1, 2]. The 35-year-old Wales international joins after his contract with Leeds United expired in June 2023 [3, 1, 2].
Darlow chose to pursue a new challenge at Manchester United despite being offered a contract extension by Leeds United [3]. He made 38 appearances for Leeds during the 2022-2023 season after joining them from Newcastle United on a three-year deal in 2023 [1, 2]. Before that, he played 111 games for Nottingham Forest and 100 matches during a nine-year spell at Newcastle United [1, 2].
Darlow has earned 15 caps for Wales and is expected to be the deputy goalkeeper at Manchester United, backing up first-choice Senne Lammens [3]. He is set to feature in United’s pre-season, which begins with a match against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18, 2023 [3].
The signing may lead to the departure of Turkey international goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who is likely to leave the club following Darlow’s arrival [3].
Darlow expressed pride in joining one of the world’s top football clubs, saying, "I'm 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" [1].
