OPINION
Newcastle United have reportedly told Leeds United that they want £4million for Karl Darlow and this means that the goalkeeper is set for frustration if his club opt to be stubborn.
The Daily Mirror reported on Wednesday that the Magpies have informed Leeds of the goalkeeper’s price tag with them being willing to sell and that it could be a significant hurdle in talks between the two clubs.
The newspaper claimed that Leeds would rather sign Darlow on loan and were ready to move as soon as the January transfer window opens as they were seeking cover for current first-choice Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
While the Mirror’s report did suggest that Leeds have two things going in their favour regarding the player, the fact he is keen on arriving at Elland Road and due to the knowledge that the Magpies will have to move a keeper on in January, it still doesn’t mean that discussions won’t be frustrating particularly for Darlow.
The currently injured Darlow, who earns £25,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), has only made one appearance this season and will likely continue to struggle for playing time at St James Park for the foreseeable future due to how impressive Martin Dubravka is.
Given that the Magpies’ will likely be stubborn when it comes to their valuation of Darlow, it will either see the ideal potential move to Leeds fall through or drag on and keep the 28-year-old at the club longer than necessary.
A move to Elland Road would be ideal as you feel given the player’s quality and Championship experience, he could easily cement himself as Leeds’ No.1 goalkeeper.
However with the Magpies’ valuation of him a potential hurdle for Leeds, they could end up blocking his move.
Rafa Benitez’s side have been stubborn before over Darlow as BBC broadcaster Adam Pope shared via his personal Twitter account that the keeper nearly joined Middlesbrough in the summer before the Magpies wrecked a move by upping his price tag.
Re keeper Karl Darlow: Newcastle were willing to let him go. Last summer he almost joined Middlesbrough – had talks, met the manager etc – before #nufc decided they wanted more money They were asking for more than £5m. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/YDeMXovxrc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) December 18, 2018
Therefore it seems while it’s not know whether he’ll move to Leeds in January, it is clear that following Darlow’s price tag being reported the player is set for a frustrating spell.
