Manchester United are closing in on a deal for veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, a move expected to trigger the departure of Altay Bayindir and ease a back-up crisis at Old Trafford. The 35-year-old, who left Leeds United at the end of June, made 22 Premier League appearances for the West Yorkshire club last season and is Wales' first-choice goalkeeper. With Radek Vitek also set to leave after impressing on loan at Bristol City, head coach Michael Carrick needed additional cover given 40-year-old Tom Heaton has not played a first-team game since February 2023. Darlow will join the pre-season campaign that begins against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.
As Manchester United bolster their goalkeeping ranks, other Premier League clubs are exploiting the free agent market. Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo on a free transfer, the first deal under new manager Pierre Sage. Mingueza has told Palace fans what to expect from his arrival, though further details of his contract were not disclosed.
“Manchester United close to signing Karl Darlow on a free transfer, while Crystal Palace confirm Oscar Mingueza and Leeds target John Stones.”
Leeds United, meanwhile, are looking to repeat their shrewd transfer trick after losing Pascal Struijk to Brighton for an initial £18million. The Dutch centre-back was sold after entering the final year of his deal, forcing the club to complete the transfer before the end of June to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules. The sale has handed manager Daniel Farke a fresh problem at the back, but the club can dip back into the free agent market for John Stones. Leeds got their summer off to a flying start with a swoop for Harry Wilson, demonstrating that headline signings do not always come with a hefty price tag. Chairman Paraag Marathe recently spoke of chasing "a few moonshots" this summer, with Julian Brandt also on their radar after his departure from Borussia Dortmund. This calculated approach frees up funds to ramp up interest in pricier targets such as Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
With the transfer window in full swing, the flurry of free agent activity is reshaping squads across the Premier League as clubs balance ambition with financial constraints.