Lucas Perri was dropped as Leeds United number one in January with Karl Darlow thriving in his wake
Leeds United legend Gary McAllister believes Daniel Farke has no need to look for a new goalkeeper this summer if Karl Darlow signs a renewal.
Darlow usurped 2025 summer signing Lucas Perri to grab the number one spot for a second year running in January and impressed, but could leave Elland Road this summer upon the end of his contract.
The Wales international is in renewal talks with Leeds but is thought to have interest from Premier League clubs with bigger wages budgets. Perri played an integral role in United’s run to the FA Cup semi-final but only after costly mistakes in the league saw Farke lose trust in him mid-season.
Towards the end of January, Farke hinted that he was not entirely satisfied with his goalkeeper set-up, albeit has frequently praised both Darlow and Perri for their efforts and attitude. The manager wishes to keep hold of Darlow.
It is meanwhile not clear what possible conclusion the recruitment team might reach with £13.9m Perri, who penned a four-year deal last summer, and the call to acquire a new shot-stopper.
Leeds hero McAllister is clear in his opinion. “No, they don’t need a new goalkeeper,” he told Leeds Live , courtesy of BetSelect.
“Perri came in and looked impressive, then made a couple of high-profile mistakes, and Darlow came in and has done brilliantly well. I’m a fan of Darlow. It’s hard to replace goalkeepers.
“I think Leeds will be doing everything to keep him there. I think he’s shown that he can cope with the pressures of being Leeds United’s keeper. Because it’s not easy, and I think he’s coped with it really well. He should be keeping the number one spot.”
On Perri, whom McAllister infers should be kept, he added: “Perri signed for the club as the number one. So it’s now up to him.
“You don’t want a goalkeeper who’s happy being the number two. [He and Darlow] have got to keep pushing each other.”
Meanwhile, Leeds are also in discussions with Alex Cairns over his future. The reserve goalkeeper has not played a competitive game since returning to Leeds but his role in keeping standards and maintaining a good atmosphere in the squad is considered highly valuable.
The 33-year-old also helps the homegrown quota and is thought to be on minimal terms. Last season, Cairns, ahead of Illan Meslier, was the goalkeeper chosen to help warm up Darlow and Perri on matchday.
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