Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Sun 19 April 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United star Karl Darlow may have provided an extra selection headache for Daniel Farke after his display against Wolves.

Darlow has been Leeds’ first-choice stopper in the Premier League since early January, with summer signing Lucas Perri getting punished for making one mistake too many.

The Wales international has largely been a safe pair of hands for Leeds in 2026, while Perri has been limited to FA Cup outings in recent months.

The Brazilian has shone in Leeds’ run to the FA Cup semi-finals, with many expecting the 28-year-old to line up against Chelsea at Wembley next Sunday.

But Darlow’s fine performance in Leeds’ 3-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday may lead Farke to re-think his FA Cup strategy.

Karl Darlow comes to the rescue

The sign of a good goalkeeper is when they can come up with a brilliant stop after having virtually nothing to do.

That came in the second half when Leeds were 2-0 up thanks to goals from James Justin and Noah Okafor in the opening 20 minutes.

Wolves centre-back Ladislav Krejci’s glancing header looked destined to nestle in the back of the net, only for Darlow to make a terrific save.

When it comes to the Premier League this season, Darlow has the ninth-best save percentage at 70, whereas Perri is rock bottom at 60.3.

According to Sofascore, the 35-year-old edges Perri on goals prevented (-1.8 vs -2.2), clean sheets (four vs three), and he has let in nine goals fewer despite playing a game more.

Darlow, who has been linked with a Tottenham move, is into the last months of his Leeds contract.

If he does exit Leeds this summer, Darlow will want to start against Chelsea in the Whites’ first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.

Perri has earned his spot at Wembley but performances like this from Darlow may make Farke think twice about his starting XI to face the Blues.

Leeds should keep hold of Darlow

Darlow was never going to be a glamour signing when he joined from Newcastle United on a three-year deal in 2023 after Leeds’ relegation.

For long periods, the veteran has been second choice behind Illan Meslier but he came up trumps to guide Leeds to the Championship title last season.

And when Perri was signed as their new number one last summer, Darlow buckled down and delivered when an opportunity presented itself.

Tottenham have been linked with Darlow but it would be a mistake for Leeds not to renew his contract.

They may be reluctant to sign a new keeper after Perri’s signature, so sticking with Darlow would be a shrewd move if they don’t recruit another stopper in the summer.