Leeds United completed the signing of Karl Darlow this week from Newcastle United, as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen the goalkeeper department.
Daniel Farke’s side are preparing for their final pre-season friendly of the month today as they take on Hearts away from home.
The 49ers Enterprises are under pressure to deliver a successful first transfer window this season after the club were relegated last term, and have made a second signing.
Karl Darlow has joined the club from Newcastle United to bolster the goalkeeper slot, off the back of his solid stint with Hull City last season in the EFL.
Here, we look at two qualities that the 32-year-old can bring to Elland Road after his arrival…
Athletic, commanding presence
One thing that you want from your goalkeeper is for them to be able to stop shots, something that we struggled with a great deal last season.
Darlow was a core part of the Newcastle side that won the league in 16/17 with some fine saves springing across his six-yard box.
That was demonstrated during his time at Hull too, with his stats holding up – Darlow was in a positive number when it comes to PSxG-GA (Post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed), boasting a +0.14, saving what he’s expected to, and doing a bit more – per FBref.
Compare that with Meslier who was -0.36 on the same stat, outlining the difference in quality of saving shots last season.
Vital Championship experience
As mentioned previously, he’s won the league already, on top of coming into this season off a fine loan stint where the Hull fans wanted him to stay.
Leeds have gambled on signing players from other leagues, and it blew up in their face with relegation, and a shift to the opposite market is needed.
Darlow isn’t a signing that is going to get everyone off their seats and super excited for the new season, but not every signing has to be.
What we do know is that the 32-year-old comes to Elland Road knowing exactly how to cope with a 46-game season in the EFL.
