Manchester United are on the verge of signing Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, a move that underscores the growing reliance on the free agent market in the Premier League. The 35-year-old, who left Leeds United at the end of June after making 22 top-flight appearances last season and finishing as Daniel Farke’s first choice, is expected to provide back-up for Senne Lammens. His arrival will likely trigger the departure of Altay Bayindir, while Radek Vitek is also set to leave after impressing on loan at Bristol City, leaving head coach Michael Carrick with a pressing need for cover given that 40-year-old Tom Heaton has not played a first-team game since February 2023.
While Old Trafford prepares to welcome Darlow, Newcastle United are also weighing up the free agent route after a turbulent summer. Eddie Howe’s side finished 12th in the Premier League last season and have seen Kieran Trippier, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali depart for clubs in Spain and England, with Bruno Guimaraes linked to Arsenal. Howe has spent £83m on Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré and Sean Steur, but may now turn to the free agent market to keep the club on a sound financial footing. Darlow, for his part, will feature in Manchester United’s pre-season campaign starting against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, providing the deal goes through as expected.
“Manchester United are close to signing free agent Karl Darlow as Newcastle consider bargain moves after £83m spend.”