Leeds are said to be interested in Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Championship giants Leeds United are reportedly interested in landing Newcastle United stopper Karl Darlow in a bargain deal this summer, but his error-prone reputation should be seriously taken into account.
Leeds certainly need a new goalkeeper this summer after the promising signing of Felix Wiedwald from Werder Bremen failed to live up to the hype. Indeed, Andy Lonergan has also struggled since his move to Elland Road last summer.
It has seen Bailey Peacock-Farrell assert himself as the club’s number-one goalkeeper, but if Leeds are to mount a promotion challenge, they need a fool-proof goalkeeper that has huge Championship experience.
During the Toon’s 2016-17 promotion-winning campaign, Darlow made 34 Championship appearances but he frustrated fans at times with a number of sloppy mistakes. He managed only 13 clean sheets in that time.
At £2million, Darlow is a bargain. But Leeds would be better off signing his more experienced, trusted teammate Rob Elliot who is also set to drop down the pecking order after Newcastle completed the permanent signing of Martin Dubravka.
At 32, Elliot is a much more experienced goalkeeper and is considered above Darlow in the pecking order at St. James’ Park. He made more Premier League appearances this season, conceding just 21 goals in 16 league games.
The former Charlton goalkeeper portrays loyalty and is a favourite among Toon fans for his club-first attitude that is rare in the professional game. Luring him to Elland Road would not only boost Leeds’ promotion chances, but he would warm the hearts of the Whites fans, too.
With a Championship record of eight clean sheets in 27 and only 35 goals conceded from his time at Charlton, Elliot would be twice the signing of Darlow and Paul Heckingbottom must carefully assess both options first.
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