Man United to sign free agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow, but must offload Altay Bayindir
Manchester United are targeting free agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United this summer. Darlow is out of contract at Leeds and is available on a free transfer.
However, the move is conditional: United must first sell or offload their current backup, Altay Bayindir. Bayindir joined from Fenerbahce in September 2023 on a four-year deal worth about £4.3 million, but he has seen limited action and has largely been an unused option.
Darlow is 35 and impressed in the 2025-26 season, making 38 appearances for Leeds and recording back-to-back Premier League clean sheets in March 2026. Everton and Leeds are also interested, creating a three-way race for the veteran.
United’s priority is not replacing their starter, with Senne Lammens expected to remain first choice. Instead, the club wants experienced squad insurance—adding depth without destabilizing the dressing room.
Financially, signing Karl Darlow on a free while moving Bayindir off the books is framed as a net positive for United’s books. But if Bayindir proves difficult to sell, United could risk entering 2026-27 without the experienced backup they want, especially as fixture demands are expected to rise.
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