Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 18 April 2026 18:45, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Daniel Farke may have just used his post-match press conference to send a message to the 49ers about the future of Karl Darlow.

The goalkeeper’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, but the Leeds United star has helped to all but confirm the club’s status in the Premier League.

Despite first-half goals from James Justin and Noah Okafor, Wolves were pushing for a route back into the game on Saturday, 18 April, and the Welshman was called upon to keep his side’s two-goal lead.

Tottenham have already registered an interest in Darlow, but given Leeds’ luck with goalkeeper signings, it would be a huge risk not to offer the 35-year-old a new deal ahead of next season.

Karl Darlow proves his importance to Leeds United

With Illan Meslier just nowhere to be seen, and Lucas Perri experiencing a rather difficult first season in England, Darlow has shown up for the Whites time and time again this term.

While he has only started 17 of Leeds’ 33 Premier League fixtures, the Welshman has now established himself as Farke’s No.1 shot-stopper, which should continue into the 2026-27 campaign.

His performance against Wolves will be one of the many reasons that Spurs are weighing up a move for the veteran on a free transfer this summer, but the Leeds manager has made his feelings pretty clear.

Speaking in his post-match press conference (18 April), Farke said: “Top-class save from Darlow. One or two nervy moments in the second half. Massive step forward. Crucial win. Reaching 39 points is amazing.”

Could the goalkeeper still sign new terms at Elland Road?

Many feel that allowing the 35-year-old to leave on a free transfer would be a mistake, and it would appear that Farke feels the same way, singing his praises in his press conference.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mick Brown has backed Darlow to sign a new deal at Leeds this summer, and it would be a huge relief, also allowing the Whites to focus on other areas of the squad.

Despite likely securing their safety in the division, it has been far from a perfect campaign from Farke’s team, and he could achieve so much more next season with the right signings.

While his opening few games at Elland Road filled very few with confidence, he has totally turned his fortunes around and deserves to be rewarded for his displays in between the sticks.