Why Karl Darlow is sacrificing more than just his club career after silly Leeds exit

Karl Darlow is making a massive call that could backfire on multiple fronts as he prepares to join Manchester United.

The 35-year-old became a free agent earlier this month when his contract with Leeds United came to an end.

Darlow had the choice of signing a new deal at Elland Road or instead joining one of Everton or Manchester United.

And it seems like Darlow has chosen Man United as his next club in what is a sickening move.

Not only is he joining Leeds' fiercest rivals, he is leaving the Whites with a massive void that now needs filling.

Beyond Darlow not likely playing much football at all at club level, his move to Man United could also impact him elsewhere.

Karl Darlow to pay the price for historic Man United move

Darlow will become the first goalkeeper to directly join Man United from Leeds.

Transfers between the sides have been few and far between down the years.

Darlow's situation is slightly different in that he was a free agent and Leeds therefore had no say in where he ended up.

It is expected that Darlow will be back-up to Senne Lammens. He could therefore go from playing 22 Premier League games last season to zero next season.

The former Newcastle United keeper has also been a regular for Wales, helped by his minutes at club level.

Danny Ward had been the go-to man previously, but Darlow's impressive showings for Leeds saw him nab the shirt.

That could all now change. What works in Darlow's favour is that Craig Bellamy is not exactly blessed with options between the sticks.

Ward sustained an injury for Wrexham last season that saw his minutes dwindle, while Tom King does not feature for Everton and Adam Davies played fewer than half of Sheffield United's games last season.

Should King get a move away from Everton, or Ward or Davies feature regularly - regardless of the level - it could be costly for Darlow.

Where does Darlow exit leave Leeds?

Daniel Farke said multiple times last season how he has "trust" in Darlow.

This came after Darlow was thrusted in following Lucas Perri's early struggles at Elland Road.

Darlow played a key part in keeping Leeds up, so losing him is clearly a blow.

If it was not apparent beforehand, it certainly will be now. Leeds need to bring in a new goalkeeper as a priority.

Parma's Zion Suzuki remains a top target for Leeds, while Jacob Widell Zetterstrom of Derby County is another reported option.

Whoever it is, Leeds need to get a deal over the line for Darlow's replacement ASAP, with pre-season now upon us.