Leeds goalkeeper search set to intensify as Karl Darlow stares at free agency - verdict
Leeds United may be willing to let Karl Darlow become a free agent in the ongoing transfer window.
The Wales international's current contract at the Whites expires at the end of June, and while they would certainly want him to stay, the hierarchy in LS11 are preparing for the inevitable.
In the 2025-26 campaign, the 35-year-old pipped Lucas Perri in the pecking order, but the West Yorkshire outfit's goalkeeping situation is now uncertain ahead of next season.
Leeds have reportedly set their sights on Parma goalkeeper and Japan international Zion Suzuki, a move that will undoubtedly be a warning to Darlow.
If the Welshman doesn't commit his future to the Peacocks, they may move on to sign a replacement instead.
Daniel Farke has shown faith in the former Newcastle United ace, but his stint in West Yorkshire could potentially be coming to an end.
Leeds United make moves for Zion Suzuki transfer
Leeds have joined Aston Villa in the race for Suzuki this summer, with the shot-stopper currently at the 2026 World Cup with Japan.
There's said to be great interest from within the Premier League in the 23-year-old, who joined Parma for £6.4m, with the Whites keeping an eye on him.
According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari on 18 June, the West Yorkshire outfit are gathering information on the promising goalkeeper, who made his name at Urawa Red Diamonds.
The Villans have already been scouting Suzuki, but interest in the Parma star from Elland Road is expected to grow as he showcases his talent at the international stage in North America.
Elland Road plans in place for Karl Darlow exit
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared in May that Leeds had Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk on their radar as Farke looked for a new number one.
It feels the Whites have been planning on Darlow's exit for some time, with the German clearly not convinced about him being the first-choice short-stopper in the 2026-27 campaign.
If the Peacocks have any intention of making further progress next season, they will certainly need a safe pair of hands in between the sticks, but who that will be remains to be seen.