Manchester United are on the verge of signing Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, a move that is likely to trigger the departure of Altay Bayindir. The 35-year-old left Leeds United at the end of June after making 22 Premier League appearances last season, finishing as Daniel Farke’s first choice. Darlow, who is also Wales’ current first-choice goalkeeper, would provide back-up to Senne Lammens given that 40-year-old Tom Heaton has not played a first-team game since February 2023 and Radek Vitek is set to leave after impressing on loan at Bristol City. If the deal goes through, Darlow will be involved in a pre-season campaign beginning against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.
Mohamed Salah is weighing up his next move after leaving Liverpool following nine trophy-laden years. The 34-year-old Egypt forward has been a free agent since his departure and was focused on the World Cup until Egypt were knocked out on Tuesday with a late 3-2 loss to Argentina, despite leading 2-0 until the 79th minute. Saudi Arabia has long been tipped as his destination, but talks have stalled over his wage demands, according to The Sun. Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah are seen as the most likely Saudi clubs should a compromise be reached.
“Manchester United close on Karl Darlow; Mo Salah considers MLS after Saudi talks stall.”
But a new contender has emerged: MLS side Sporting Kansas City. The Kansas-based outfit are in pole position if Salah decides on a move to Major League Soccer, where multiple clubs have expressed interest, according to The Athletic. Sporting’s new majority owner, Peter Mallouk, is the son of Egyptian immigrants. Mallouk posted in response to the news: “Promises made will be promises kept. Lots of conversations happening. One way or another, this team will be significantly better in the second half, much better by the sprint season.” However, Salah’s preference is to remain in Europe, and his agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, said last month: “Mohamed is doing perfectly fine and neither he nor I prefer to discuss sensitive future plans with people not involved in them.”
With Salah’s future still uncertain, Sporting’s audacious bid may test his commitment to staying in Europe.