Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Fri 1 May 2026 8:40, UK

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has made it clear he wants to extend Karl Darlow’s stay at Elland Road as his contract ticks down.

In Farke’s time at Leeds, Darlow may be the contender for the Whites’ most improved player. From his troubling displays in the Carabao Cup in 2023, to making world-class stops in the Premier League in 2026.

Darlow was signed as a number two behind Illan Meslier nearly three years ago but now, the Welshman is first choice at Leeds, while the Frenchman is set to leave this summer when his contract expires.

The 35-year-old stepped up and helped guide Leeds to the Championship title last season, when Meslier was threatening to undo their hard work, and this term, he has grown into his role, at Lucas Perri’s expense.

Farke trusted Meslier for far too long when the 26-year-old made mistake after mistake after mistake. Darlow could leave Leeds this summer when his deal expires but the former Norwich City manager has now put his cards on the table with the veteran.

Daniel Farke drops hint on Karl Darlow plan

Leeds fans grew weary of Farke’s unrelenting support of Meslier last season, even when there was mounting evidence to suggest he should be dropped.

His confidence was increasingly taking a battering, and when he finally did turn to Darlow, the former Newcastle United man stepped up in a way that begged the question, “Why did it take this long?”

In the 2023-24 season, Darlow did not look like a safe pair of hands. Therefore, Farke kept him as Leeds’ number two.

Incidentally, when Perri was making a number of mistakes this season, Farke was far quicker to take him out of the firing line than Meslier, who is now third choice at the club.

Perhaps the German learned from his mistakes and while he wants to save contract talks for the summer, Farke made it clear he wants Darlow to stay at Leeds.

He told reporters: “How much I trust Karl and value Karl, you could tell by the fact that he was in the crunch-time last season in that he is right now in such a period my number one goalkeeper.

“And also keeps out a highly-rated player like Lucas Perri who has been impressive in the cup with some decent performances.

“I think Karl was fantastic in the last weeks and last months, to be honest since the first day I worked with him, not just his performance on the pitch, but also how he is as a human being. And I’ve got not just the highest respect for Karl, but also I rate him so, so high.

“And Karl knows this 100 per cent, there’s a big, big trust between each other, and you can read, perhaps even a bit in between the lines, if you want. But I will just speak about the future, once everything’s confirmed.”

Should Leeds have acted sooner with Darlow?

Darlow’s form this year has raised his stock amongst Leeds’ fanbase but also attracted interest from outside the club.

Indeed, reports suggest Tottenham are considering a move for Darlow, who, at this rate, is set to become a free agent in a matter of weeks.

Leeds spent around £14million to sign Perri from Lyon last summer, with the Brazilian their de facto number one. That is no longer the case, and questions have been asked whether or not the Whites should move on the 28-year-old and search for a new keeper.

In that time, Darlow has quietly gone about his business and strengthened his hand in the process. Long-term deals are unlikely at his age but another eye-catching move could be on the cards.

Leeds will hope they can retain him but he will want to be their number one. Have they left it too late to make Darlow feel wanted? For now, it seems Farke is going on the charm offensive but whether that proves enough to retain him remains to be seen.