Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider as cited by the Chronicle claims that Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is very keen to join Leeds United next month. Around a week back, reports from the Sun did the round that Leeds United were interested in Darlow who is currently the second choice at St. James’ Park. It was believed that the Whites might have to shell out £4m to land his services. Along with the West Yorkshire outfit, Aston Villa are also said to be in the running for his signature.
However, this latest piece of news should delight the club fans as the goalkeeper himself now seems keen to join the ranks at Elland Road. The 28-year-old was a regular for the Magpies last season, but Rafael Benitez signed Martin Dubravka on loan in the January transfer window. The Slovakian did well and impressed in that time, and that made the Spanish manager go for a permanent deal in the summer.
Since then, Darlow has been deputising for Dubravka, and he must be frustrated at the job of playing second fiddle at the moment. Newcastle United should sanction this move given the fact that they have two further decent options in the form of Freddie Woodman and Rob Elliot. The former was the golden glove winner for England in the FIFA u-20 World Cup and is touted as a promising talent.
United should definitely try to push for a move for Darlow after this recent piece of development, and we believe he can be a decent upgrade over Bailey Peacock Farrell who still needs more time to develop.
Currently, the Northern Irish stopper doesn’t have anyone to challenge for his spot as Jamal Blackman had to return to Chelsea because of a foot injury. Academy player William Huffer is currently next in line, but we feel that he is nowhere near the level required to challenge Peacock Farrell.
Bielsa has been seemingly unhappy with Peacock Farrell’s performance and even went on to claim (Leeds Live) that, if not for the injury, he would have gone in with Blackman in goal after the West Bromwich Albion game where the Whites were hammered by four goals to one. However, since then the tables have turned, and the Whites have gone on a good run to occupy the top spot in the Championship.
Signing a goalkeeper should definitely be a priority for the club, and someone like Darlow can solve the goalkeeper problem for years to come given that he is still 28 and that is often considered as a ripe age for goalkeepers. The £4m price tag might look a bit hefty, but the club should go all out to sign him especially when the player is himself reportedly keen on a move.
