Manchester United are set to sign Karl Darlow on a free transfer.
The next step in Manchester United’s transfer window is a move to sign back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is out of contract.
The Athletic report a deal to sign Darlow is close to completion, with the goalkeeper expected to replace Altay Bayindir, who is available for transfer.
Senne Lammens is Manchester United’s first choice goalkeeper and Darlow will sign as depth, ahead of third-choice Tom Heaton.
The move does strongly hint that Radek Vitek will be allowed to leave, either on loan or permanently.
Man Utd are set to sign Karl Darlow on a FREE transfer as back-up goalkeeper: What are your thoughts on this move?
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Karl Darlow helps homegrown quota
The move for Karl Darlow is a useful one for Manchester United because it will do two things.
One it will allow United to cash in on Altay Bayindir without having to spend money on a replacement.
Darlow has considerable Premier League experience and won’t need to settle in. He will be ready if he is called upon.
The most important second point is that Darlow helps United move a step closer towards meeting UEFA’s quota for homegrown players for the Champions League.
While Darlow is Welsh, he counts as an ‘association-trained player’, after spending his early years developing at Nottingham Forest.
It was a near-guarantee that United would sign one player who ticks this box this summer, and Darlow’s arrival checks that box neatly.
Karl Darlow career timeline
- 2010–2014: Nottingham Forest
- 2012: Newport County (loan)
- 2012–2013: Walsall (loan)
- 2014–2023: Newcastle United
- 2014–2015: Nottingham Forest (loan)
- 2023: Hull City (loan)
- 2023–2026: Leeds United
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