(Credit: Imago)

Josh Edwards

Fri 27 March 2026 12:10, UK

Karl Darlow is more than worthy of his starting role at Leeds United.

To get things straight off the bat, Leeds need to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, regardless of what happens between now and May, though Darlow can still hold his head high.

As he did last season, the Wales international has stepped into the boots of another hapless goalkeeper, and while there have been few nervy moments, he has justified his starting position.

Darlow started again for Wales as they saw their World Cup dreams ended, and one aspect of his game showcases why Daniel Farke insists on starting him.

Karl Darlow did something that Lucas Perri could only dream of

Lucas Perri has been yet another failed goalkeeper signing for Leeds, and despite only joining last summer, it would not be a shock to see him leave after this season.

Most of the focus has been on his inability to keep the ball out of his net, but plenty has also been reserved for his woeful distribution.

Perri has completed just 53.6 per cent of his attempted passes in the Premier League, placing him among the bottom 5.9 per cent of Premier League goalkeepers.

Against Bosnia, Darlow completed 80 per cent of his 70 attempted passes, which is over triple what Perri averages per game.

On top of that, the Wales keeper made one stunning save and denied Bosnia from the spot once in the shootout, though it wasn’t enough to prevent them from winning the game.

Darlow exploits cannot distract from major Leeds issue

If Leeds are relegated from the Premier League, their lack of goalkeeping options will undoubtedly be one of the main reasons behind that.

Darlow has offered more positives than negatives since stepping in for Perri, just as he did for Illan Meslier last season, but it’s still clear that he is below the level required.

And that is not a slight on him, but more a reflection on Leeds’ woeful recruitment in that area of the squad.

The Whites simply need to recruit a top-level goalkeeper in the summer, regardless of what division they are in; otherwise, their ambitions will be restricted quite severely.