LEEDS UNITED COMPLETE KARL DARLOW SIGNING - Leedsunited.com 29/7/23
Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Karl Darlow from Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper arrives at Elland Road in a permanent deal,
joining the Whites for an undisclosed fee.
The experienced 32-year-old shot-stopper has penned a
three-year deal with the club, running until the summer of 2026.
Darlow came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa and
Nottingham Forest and went on to make his debut for the Reds in May 2011, in
their 3-0 away Championship victory over Crystal Palace.
Loan spells at Newport County AFC and Walsall followed,
before he established himself as number one at the City Ground in January 2012.
After consecutive top-half finishes with Forest and
impressing between the sticks, Premier League side Newcastle United moved to
secure his services for an undisclosed fee in August 2014. As part of the deal he was loaned back to
Forest for the 2014/15 campaign.
In 2015, Darlow departed the City Ground having made 111
appearances, keeping 35 clean sheets in all competitions.
At Newcastle, he went on to establish himself as first
choice goalkeeper at St James’ Park during the 2016/17 Championship campaign.
Darlow kept 13 clean sheets for the for the Magpies in 34
league games, as Newcastle were crowned Championship champions at the end of
the season.
He remained in the North East, competing with Martin
Dubravka, Loris Karius and Nick Pope until last January when he joined
Championship side Hull City on loan.
At the MKM Stadium Darlow made 12 appearances for the
Tigers, who lost just three times with Darlow in goal, with the stopper keeping
five clean sheets in the process.
The Whites have now beaten a number of clubs to secure
Darlow’s services on a permanent basis.
New Leeds United signing Karl Darlow spoke exclusively to
LUTV after joining the club from Newcastle United.
The experienced shot-stopper, who is a previous Sky Bet
Championship winner, admitted he’s looking forward to his new challenge with
the Whites.
“It’s really exciting,” said Darlow.
“It’s been in a bit of a whirlwind, I was in America
yesterday and signed for Leeds United today!
“I’m delighted to be here, I can’t wait to get started and
I’m excited to join the group, start training and I’m looking forward to the
new season.
“It’s an exciting move with the new owners who are
ambitious, the manager has a track record in this league and is someone I’ve
been keen to work with and I want to try and help the club get back to the
Premier League as soon as possible.
“No matter what club you are at, there are always going to
be good goalkeepers and there is a good goalkeeping group here.
“I want to fit into it and challenge, every single player
wants to play and I’m looking forward to the next few years here at Leeds.”
Darlow also admitted he can’t wait to play in front of the
Leeds United supporters on home soil!
“When Elland Road is bouncing it’s an intimidating place to
come as an away team.
“If we can get the fans behind us, play good and attractive
football and win matches, it could be a really special season.
“I’ve just come from one club with fans who are very passionate about their football to another, so it’s something I’m used to and excited to carry on with throughout my career.”
