What Karl Darlow has told Jermaine Beckford about Illan Meslier behind the Leeds United scenes

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It has been like a breath of fresh air with Karl Darlow in goal for Leeds United. A bit of experience, a commanding presence and a goalkeeper the Leeds defence can rely on.

It was a change that simply had to be made. Illan Meslier’s position between the sticks was untenable after his mistakes against Swansea City and many felt that the Frenchman should have been axed prior.

But Darlow has finally come in to the side in the last four matches. The Wales international has provided a calmness between the sticks for The Whites, conceding just two goals and keeping two key clean sheets.

The latter of which came on Good Friday as Leeds went to The Kassam Stadium against a side that had just beaten Sheffield United. Daniel Farke’s record against Gary Rowett was a poor one, but Leeds won.

Darlow, crucial. A couple of important saves saw Leeds earn a clean sheet and following the game, the former Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest stopper was discussed by Jermaine Beckford.

• READ MORE: What Dom Matteo has noticed about Karl Darlow since he came into the side

What Jermaine Beckford said about Leeds stopper Karl Darlow

Speaking to LUTV’s Extra Time, Leeds icon Beckford shared how he had spoken to Darlow and while the frustration over a lack of game time was evident – Beckford says Darlow was always supportive to Meslier.

“I’ve spoken to him a few times, you can see that he’s frustrated [about not playing],” Beckford said, with Darlow playing just seven times for Leeds before this run of four matches, joining in the summer of 2023.

“But he’s so supportive of his teammates, of Illan Meslier, the staff, the players. He knows that if these boys are successful, then he is successful. A lovely, lovely guy – but very demanding. It gets overlooked.”

Illan Meslier’s exit is inevitable, but Karl Darlow’s Leeds future?

It does feel likely that Meslier departs this summer. The Frenchman is out of contract in 12 months and having been dropped, Leeds will almost certainly bring in a new goalkeeper if promoted to the top tier.

Daniel Farke is said to be considering Meslier’s future with Rennes and Leicester keen, while Champions League-chasing Strasbourg also want Meslier. But what about Darlow’s future at Leeds this summer?

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	43	26	13	4	83	29	54	91
2	BurnleyBurnley	43	25	16	2	59	14	45	91
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	43	27	7	9	59	33	26	86
4	SunderlandSunderland	43	21	13	9	58	40	18	76

Like Meslier, Darlow is also in the final year of his contract. Will he be happy to revert to no.2 in the event Leeds make a new signing between the sticks? He might have to be, if he wants to remain at Elland Road.

Or, he may get cold feet after breaking into the Leeds team and that taste for first-team action returns. If that is the case, Darlow is certainly putting himself in the shop window with his recent performances.