How Leeds United plan to respond to Karl Darlow exit as multiple contingencies in place

Leeds United have already planned around the possibility of Karl Darlow's departure after his exit was confirmed this Tuesday.

The goalkeeper has left the Whites following the expiration of his contract, despite being handed the opportunity to stay at Elland Road.

Darlow chose to explore other options, and ultimately landed on Manchester United as his preferred next destination.

The shot-stopper has joined Michael Carrick's side on a two-year deal which contains the option of an additional year.

Some fans will be disappointed at his decision to join a rival like Man United, while others would argue it would be completely different if someone like Ethan Ampadu did the same.

Regardless, Leeds haven't been naive through this process, and have planned for Darlow's exit, with their next steps ready to be shown.

How Leeds United are planning for life after Karl Darlow

Darlow unexpectedly emerged as Daniel Farke's number one keeper in the second half of last season, despite the Whites splashing around £15million on Lucas Perri.

Due to Perri's early mistakes in LS11, Darlow gained Farke's trust over the former, which makes his departure even more worrying, with just two senior keepers on the books now.

However, MOT Leeds News understands that Leeds want to sign Parma's Zion Suzuki after the shot-stopper's impressive World Cup campaign with Japan.

The 23-year-old is highly sought-after by other European clubs, though the Whites may have to fork out up to £29.8m for his signature.

It appears as though Suzuki is Leeds' number one target, and that was the case even if Darlow were to stay.

Now that the Welsh international has departed, Leeds may know who their next back-up goalie will be, and it won't be Perri.

Leeds already know potential deputy to Zion Suzuki

Leeds have puffed their chest out in the market this summer, and are appearing to sign the players that they truly want, with Tarik Muharemovic and Shea Charles next on the agenda.

Assuming the Whites agree on a deal to sign Suzuki, it feels unlikely that Perri will remain content at being the second choice amid reports of interest from Torino in Italy.

That said, the Whites could have their perfect replacement for Darlow as backup with Orjan Nyland.

According to The Sun, the Whites are one of multiple British clubs preparing a swoop for the Norway goalkeeper.

The 35-year-old has Premier League experience and would be a like-for-like replacement for Darlow, which would then signal the green light for Perri's departure.

Leeds will most likely look to pursue Suzuki first before all other goalkeeper targets.