Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has revealed how he truly feels about Karl Darlow’s decision to swap Elland Road for Manchester United.
Darlow signs
Last week, United confirmed they had completed the signing of Darlow on a free transfer.
Heading into the ongoing window, it became apparent that United’s goalkeeping department was set to undergo a radical overhaul.
Andre Onana was loaned back to Trabzonspor, where he spent the entire 2025/26 season. Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir are set to follow him through the exit door as they grow increasingly desperate for regular first-team opportunities.
Dermot Mee signed a new contract to extend his stay at the club, as did veteran shot-stopper Tom Heaton. United still moved to snap up Darlow, who rejected contract offers from Leeds to seal a switch to Old Trafford.
Darlow later admitted that the pull of playing for United, which he considers the biggest club in the world, was simply too strong to turn down.
Darlow joined Leeds from Newcastle in 2023 on a three-year contract, going on to make 38 appearances. His career began at Nottingham Forest, where he played 111 times, before a nine-year spell at Newcastle that yielded 100 outings prior to his move to Leeds
Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport, Ampadu confessed that Darlow’s transfer represents a big blow to Leeds.
Ampadu’s remarks
Ampadu told the news outlet, “I think Karl’s decision is Karl’s decision.”
“I know him well as a player and a person, so it’s always sad when you see someone close to you – also Pascal [Struijk] and Illan [Meslier].”
“When you see someone you’ve worked hard with go, it’s always a sad thing.”
He continued, “But when people leave it’s nothing but wishing everyone the very best in their careers.”
“I know when me and Karl go away with Wales, we’ll still get on well and we’re still going to try to achieve a good Nations League and qualify for the Euros so we’ll speak to Karl then.”
United are next in action on Friday when they face Rosenborg in just their second pre-season friendly.
Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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