Leeds United Backed To Retain This Essential Star In The Squad: Will It Build For The Long Run?

Leeds United Backed To Retain This Essential Star In The Squad: Will It Build For The Long Run?

Leeds United’s return to the Premier League as Championship winners under Daniel Farke felt like a real statement. They stormed the league with 100 points, ending a two-year absence and looking ready to compete. However, the 2025–26 season has been a reality check.

Farke’s men are currently 15th, sitting just three points clear of the relegation zone after 31 games (7 wins, 12 draws, 12 defeats). Their record on the road is especially worrying; winning just once in 15 away trips highlights exactly why they are struggling.

While a deep run in the FA Cup, including a penalty shootout win over West Ham to set up a semi-final with Chelsea, offers some excitement, the league remains the priority. That is where the club’s top-flight future will be decided.

Karl Darlow set to stay as Leeds United plan for an uncertain summer

In the middle of this scrap for survival, Football Insider reports that Leeds United expect goalkeeper Karl Darlow to sign a new deal and stay at Elland Road. The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of June, but former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told the outlet that Darlow is happy at the club and wants to stay, regardless of who else comes in during the transfer window.

Brown mentioned that Leeds United see him as a vital squad member, pointing to his reliability and his combination of club and international experience. He also noted that if Leeds United can’t find a new keeper at the right price, keeping Darlow becomes even more of a priority, and luckily, the player seems keen to put pen to paper.

“Leeds are keen to keep hold of Karl Darlow,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Regardless of whether or not they sign a new goalkeeper, he’s proven this season he can be a good option when called upon.

“It’s always useful to have a player like that in your squad who you can rely on and who also has plenty of experience at club and international level.

“Plus, if they don’t manage to find a new goalkeeper who is available for the right price, they’re going to need him as one of their options, as we’ve seen.

“Darlow will be happy to stay as well, I expect, given he’s played quite a big role in the side this season and is clearly part of their plans.”

The stats tell a mixed story: in 15 Premier League games this term, Darlow has conceded 17 goals and kept three clean sheets. With a save percentage of 65.45% (36 saves from 55 shots), he has proven to be a steady pair of hands, even if he isn’t pulling off miracles every week. (Stats via Footy Stats)

Does holding on to Darlow signal Leeds are building for the long run?

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Karl Darlow of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on February 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Keeping Darlow says a lot about Leeds‘ current mindset and their pragmatic approach to a difficult season. Usually, a club in a blind panic about relegation wouldn’t bother negotiating with a backup goalkeeper; they’d either spend wildly or stop making moves entirely. Instead, Leeds United are keeping a cool head, acknowledging that veteran experience is worth a lot when the margins are this thin.

Nobody at Elland Road is claiming Darlow is the long-term solution if the club want to move up the table, but he gives Daniel Farke a reliable, calm head for what could be a messy summer. If the hunt for a new number one takes a while, having Darlow there is a smart safety net. Leeds United are determined to stay up, and this kind of sensible decision-making proves it.