Meet Karl Darlow – The goalkeeper who played a crucial role in Leeds United’s Premier League promotion

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Karl Darlow is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Leeds United.

Leeds United signed Karl Darlow in 2023 to serve as a backup to Illan Meslier, but he has now overtaken him in the pecking order.

Daniel Farke was forced to drop Meslier after a string of costly mistakes threatened to cost Leeds promotion to the Premier League.

Darlow came in for the final six games and Leeds got back on track to clinch the title with 100 points, with his composure in goal having a massive impact.

The big-money signing of Lucas Perri suggested Darlow wouldn’t be playing much in the Premier League, but injuries mean he’s back between the sticks and is impressing.

Here’s everything you need to know.

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Karl Darlow age

Karl Darlow was born in Northampton, England, on October 8, 1990. As of September 2025, he is 34 years old. Though born in England, he plays for Wales internationally.

Darlow is the oldest player in the Leeds squad, bringing a wealth of experience to the side.

How tall is Karl Darlow?

Darlow stands at a huge 6’3″ tall.

The Welshman’s height allows him to be dominant in the air as crosses come into his box.

How much did Leeds pay for Karl Darlow?

Leeds paid £400,000 to sign Darlow from Newcastle United in the summer of 2023.

It has proven to be a bargain move, with Darlow playing a huge role in Leeds’ promotion and he is now impressing in the top flight.

Karl Darlow salary

Darlow reportedly earns £30,000 a week at Leeds, which works out at £1.56m a year.

That puts him towards the lower end of Leeds’ wage bill.

Karl Darlow stats

Darlow’s career stats for the seven clubs he has played for and his country.

Karl Darlow Instagram and X/Twitter accounts

Darlow has over 83k followers on Instagram and you can find his account @karldarlow.

He also has an X, formerly Twitter account, @KarlDarlow.

Praise for Karl Darlow

Darlow is back in the team and Farke praised him following the defeat to Fulham.

The Leeds boss said: “We are all happy that we have Karl because he’s an experienced guy. He’s so mature. Also, today, there were not too many saves to make, but when we needed him, he was there. He has good experience and is always positive.

“He’s a guy who never cracks under pressure, and I’m pretty happy that we have such a mature and rock-solid goalkeeper who can step in when our number one, Lucas Perri, is out.

“It gives [Perri] also a bit more time, not to go on holiday, but it’s not like we have to push him and play him even though the injury is not fully recovered. So, we are all happy, and as long as we need Karl, I know he will perform really, really solidly.

“We have to make sure that once Lucas is back, then he’s hopefully also in top shape, and that he keeps going, but I’m not one per cent worried when Karl has to deliver because he’s shown this in each of the competitive games.”