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Karl Darlow set to head to Leeds United, pending medical

By Cade Cracas

LISBON, PORTUGAL - JULY 26: Karl Darlow of Newcastle United FC in action during the warm up before the start of the Eusebio Cup match between SL Benfica and Newcastle United at Estadio da Luz on July 26, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - JULY 26: Karl Darlow of Newcastle United FC in action during the warm up before the start of the Eusebio Cup match between SL Benfica and Newcastle United at Estadio da Luz on July 26, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United have been very busy in recent weeks as they move on from some depth players in order to gain room for incoming transfers as the club prepares for a Champions League push in the 2023-24 campaign.

After spending eight years with Newcastle, goalkeeper Karl Darlow has found a new home with EFL Championship side, Leeds United.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Karl Darlow of Newcastle United jumps for the ball with Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur (obscured) during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on October 17, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Karl Darlow of Newcastle United jumps for the ball with Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur (obscured) during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on October 17, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

Throughout his eight years at St. James Park, Darlow was a key piece for the Magpies playing in a total of 86 contests, starting in all of them.

While the team competed in the Premier League, he rarely was given the opportunity to man the goal, but when they were relegated to the EFL Championship for the 2016-17 season, he played a vital role for the club.

In 34 starts, he recorded 106 saves while allowing just 32 goals, showcasing tremendous poise for the Magpies as they dominated en route to a first-place finish.

Through the ups and downs, Darlow remained on the squad as the club relied on him to relieve the starters and fill in when needed.

Unfortunately, his time with the team came to a close on Thursday, July 27, as Leeds United swooped in to pick him up. The move looks to help Leeds revive their club and return to the Premier League after being relegated.

This past season Darlow was on loan with Hull City where he played in just 12 contests giving up 14 goals, showcasing that he still has the ability to perform at a high level.

While Hull City attempted to bring the promising starter back, Newcastle’s rumored asking price of €5 million was far too much for them to commit to. In turn, they backed out of their interest.

Instead, Leeds talked the Magpies’ front office down to a measly €400,000 before confirming the deal.

After the Magpies completed their 1-1 draw to Chelsea just a few days ago, Newcastle Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the transfer.

“Karl will travel to Leeds tomorrow and have a medical and sign for them,” he said.

He then went on to appreciate the time and commitment that Darlow has given to the club over the course of his career.

“Karl will certainly go with our best wishes,” said Howe. “He has been an incredible servant to the football club. We value him but we can’t carry a team of five goalkeepers.”

Now that Darlow is gone, the Magpies will be with Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie throughout the rest of the 2023 summer window.