Karl Darlow Leeds United exit on the cards amid Viktor Johansson links
Paul Robinson has questioned Karl Darlow’s future at Elland Road after Leeds United were linked with a summer move for Rotherham United shot-stopper Viktor Johansson.
With Illan Meslier as the number-one choice under Daniel Farke, Darlow has made just four appearances since joining Leeds from Newcastle United last summer.
The Whites have now been linked with a summer move for 25-year-old Johansson, who has been relegated from the Championship with Rotherham after winning just five league matches.
According to Sportbladet [3 May] Rotherham’s final match of the Championship season was set to be Johansson’s last at the New York Stadium, naming Leeds and Sheffield United as clubs interested.
The Sweden international is said to have a £730,000 release clause in his current contract, and Robinson believes that if Leeds were to secure his signature, Darlow’s future might lie away from Elland Road.
“With one cap for Sweden, he’s a decent goalkeeper but I don’t think he’s on the level of Meslier,” he said.
“If they are going to sign him as competition for him, then there are maybe questions over Karl Darlow’s future, whether he is sticking around to be a number two.“
Could Leeds United sign Viktor Johansson this summer?
For just £730,000 this summer, it seems like a no-brainer for Leeds to secure Johansson’s signature, and pip the other interested parties to the transfer.
The Millers ‘keeper has been one of the busiest in the Championship this season, having made the most saves per 90 minutes in the division (4.1) as well as conceding the most goals for 90 minutes (1.9). [FotMob]
There is no doubt that Johansson is a talented shot-stopper, even despite Rotherham’s relegation from the second tier of English football, which could see him strike a move to West Yorkshire.
It is highly unlikely that Leeds will replace Meslier, even if they are to achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs, but Darlow’s future is not so certain.
At 33 years of age, it could be time to search for a new backup goalkeeper at Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, one Leicester star has taken a swipe at the Whites and Georginio Rutter after they sealed the Championship title.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.