Leeds United bound keeper Karl Darlow not heading to Elland Road to be second choice
Leeds United are set to announce the signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Newcastle United, but the new Elland Road stopper isn’t expecting to be a backup option in his career, according to Leeds Live.
The 32-year-old keeper has been at best a second-choice option for the majority of his time at St James’ Park and has decided that any move he was going to make in his career would see him don the number one shirt.
Darlow’s ambition could be part of why the goalkeeper has ended up joining Elland Road rather than AFC Bournemouth, where he would’ve likely seen limited minutes once more as Neto is established between the posts.
Leeds Live published quotes from sister site Hull Live from Darlow’s time in the north-east that display his ambition, saying: “I want to play football, that’s it. From my perspective, I could have let it go another six months, another 12 months and before you know it, you’re three years into not playing.
“For me, I’m ambitious. I’m young – for a goalkeeper, I’m 32, I’ve got years ahead of me and I want to prolong my career by playing football, making sure I’m still in people’s minds and that they have not forgotten about me.”
Makes a Meslier decision easier
Recent reports in the last few days suggest that the door may not be entirely closed for Illian Meslier at Elland Road, as Daniel Farke is a big fan of the French keeper, but Darlow’s ambition may make selling the stopper easier.
While no player joins a club and openly admits they’ve come to sit on the bench, Darlow has genuinely made decisions throughout his career to ensure that he gets consistent minutes and this one is no different.
Leeds are also restricted by financial fair play throughout this summer and Meslier is one of the few remaining assets in Yorkshire with genuine selling value, and one of the few the Whites can afford to lose without weakening their team too much.
Unlike if they are to lose Wilfried Gnonto or Patrick Bamford, Leeds now have cover in the goalkeeping position so there is no point in having Meslier sat on the bench until the January transfer window.
If there’s one guarantee with this summer’s window, it won’t be straightforward for Leeds and there’s every chance Meslier starts the opening day and Darlow remains on the bench.
The Frenchman leaving may be a decision that has been made for them with this move.
In other Leeds United news, on loan defender Marc Roca has already been quizzed on his permanent future