Karl Darlow joins Manchester United on free transfer from Leeds to back up Lammens

Manchester United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, with the 35-year-old agreeing a two-year contract that includes an option for a further 12 months at Old Trafford.

Darlow, who has 15 Wales international caps, turned down a new deal at Elland Road to join United as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens. His arrival is directly linked to the expected departure of Altay Bayindir, who has been linked with a return to Turkey. United also sent Andre Onana out on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor earlier this month, while veteran Tom Heaton, 40, signed a new one-year deal earlier this summer.

“I am extremely proud to sign for Manchester United,” Darlow said. “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.”

Leeds, for their part, wished the goalkeeper well in a brief farewell statement: “Thank you Karl for your dedicated service to Leeds, we wish you and your family the best for the future.”

Darlow joined Leeds ahead of the 2023-24 season and made 38 appearances for the club, 22 of them in the Premier League. He also has prior top-flight experience from his time at Newcastle.

The signing is United’s second in as many days, following the £48m capture of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos on Monday. Manager Michael Carrick is continuing to reshape his squad, with United also closing in on Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after activating his release clause. The move for Tielemans is driven in part by the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season and a serious knee injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte while on international duty with Uruguay.

United open their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Hull City on 22 August.