​Manchester United are nearing the signing of veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer. The 35-year-old, who left Leeds United at the end of June, made 22 Premier League appearances for the West Yorkshire club last season and finished the campaign as Daniel Farke’s first-choice stopper. Darlow currently serves as Wales’ first-choice goalkeeper as well.
The potential move is expected to trigger the departure of Altay Bayindir, who spent most of last season as the understudy to Manchester United’s first-choice keeper, Senne Lammens. With Radek Vitek also anticipated to leave—either on loan or on a permanent basis after an impressive loan spell at Bristol City—the United boss Michael Carrick has acknowledged the need for additional back-up options. This need is underscored by 40-year-old Tom Heaton’s lack of a first-team appearance since February 2023.
If the deal is completed as anticipated, Darlow would take part in United’s pre-season schedule, which is set to begin with a match against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July. The potential arrival comes at a time when the club is also exploring a naming rights deal for their new stadium, underscoring a busy and transformative period for Manchester United as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.