Leeds Could Sign “Terrific” £30k-p/w As Their Own Nick Pope

Leeds United appear set so as to add a brand new shot-stopper to their ranks, with plenty of names touted to fill such a job…

What is the newest on Karl Darlow to Leeds United?

In keeping with sources at Football League World, it isn’t simply Rotherham United star Viktor Johansson who the 49ers have their eye on. With Illan Meslier seemingly heading for the exit door, discovering their new No 1 has turn into a matter of precedence – maybe much more so than the pinnacle coach emptiness.

Thankfully for followers, this report particulars quite a few choices being thought-about, with Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow somebody who has been mentioned by the hierarchy.

Given the immense success Nick Pope has loved on Tyneside of late, the hope will likely be that his understudy can have a equally revolutionary impact on the Whites’ crew, which has shipped objectives for enjoyable in recent times.

How good is Karl Darlow?

Simply final time period noticed the West Yorkshire outfit concede 78 objectives within the league, greater than some other crew. The season prior, 79 objectives would soar into their internet. Defensively inept doesn’t even start to explain the state of affairs at Elland Highway, with an enormous shift in mentality wanted as a lot as the standard wants enhancing.

In the meantime, Pope has been on the coronary heart of a Magpies defence that just lately conceded simply 33 occasions, making them the joint-best defence within the division alongside champions Manchester Metropolis.

The English goalkeeper has overseen a meteoric rise from relegation with Burnley to Champions League qualification underneath Eddie Howe, and it’s clear that the 49ers will likely be hoping that a few of his high quality may have rubbed off on his compatriot, Darlow.

In spite of everything, the 32-year-old did spend half a season with the hulking ace, earlier than leaving on mortgage for the Championship. Throughout simply 12 video games at Hull Metropolis, he would remind everybody that he shouldn’t be forgotten, regardless of having had his spot stolen by Pope; he maintained a 7.08 common ranking, buoyed by his 2.9 saves per recreation and 5 clear sheets, by way of Sofascore.

A 76% move accuracy suggests he’s succesful together with his toes, however much like the 31-year-old, the precedence stays primarily on goalkeeping slightly than ball-playing. For the Toon Military, he too maintained 2.5 saves per recreation, but his move accuracy fell to 59%, by way of Sofascore.

The expertise Darlow has earned within the prime flight could possibly be crucial in Leeds’ speedy return there, too, as he has loved three spectacular stints throughout his time in Newcastle. Steve Bruce even sought to laud him for one such marketing campaign, noting: “We have needed to name on him a bit an excessive amount of at occasions however there is not any denying he is been terrific all season.”

Ought to the 49ers neglect bolstering their defence, they might at the least be secure within the information that this £30k-per-week shot-stopper has a historical past of taking part in for the underdog and will thrive in a backline that’s traditionally fragile.