Manchester United sign Karl Darlow on free transfer

Manchester United have completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, the club announced on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The 35-year-old Wales international, who left Leeds United upon the expiration of his contract in late June, has signed a two-year deal with an option for a further 12 months at Old Trafford.

Darlow is expected to serve as the primary backup to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens. His arrival follows a series of moves in the club's goalkeeping department, including the expected departure of current backup Altay Bayindir and the loan of Andre Onana to Turkish side Trabzonspor for a second consecutive season. Veteran Tom Heaton, 40, recently extended his contract to provide training support.

The acquisition addresses a specific need for an experienced, homegrown goalkeeper with Premier League pedigree to support Lammens and provide rotation for a squad competing in the Champions League next season. Darlow brings significant top-flight experience, having made 22 Premier League appearances for Leeds last season and previously playing over 100 games for Newcastle United. He also has 15 caps for Wales.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke previously...