‘Outstanding’ 33-year-old sold by Newcastle has still not played a league minute since Toon exit

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When Karl Darlow left Newcastle United this summer, the dream was to play regular first-team football.

The 33-year-old was on the periphery at St James’ Park, third choice behind Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka.

Darlow last played for Newcastle on August 24th 2022, when the Magpies beat Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup. He played a role in the club getting to Wembley last season, but was not involved in the final.

That is because he went on loan to Hull City. Darlow joined Liam Rosenior’s side, and made 12 appearances for the Tigers. The goalkeeper did really well on Humberside, and was described as ‘outstanding‘ by his manager.

However, it did not result in a permanent move to Hull. Instead, Darlow signed for Leeds United.

They had been relegated to the Championship, and it looked like Darlow would be the man tasked with keeping net during their bid to return to the Premier League.

But that has not been the case.

Zero league appearances for Karl Darlow since Leeds United move

Since signing for Leeds, Darlow has made just two appearances. They both came in the EFL Cup, with Leeds now out of the competition after losing to Salford City on penalties in the second round.

In the league, Darlow has been a benchwarmer. He has been a substitute for all 11 of their Championship games so far, with Illan Meslier being restored to the starting lineup after last season.

While it has been a decent start to the season for Leeds, who are fifth in the table, it has not been the dream move that Darlow hoped it would be.

He has improved on his Newcastle status – he is second choice rather than third – but he is still not playing regular football.

That is a great shame, as Darlow is a top goalkeeper who always delivered when called upon on Tyneside. He was particularly brilliant when Dubravka was out injured during the 2020/21 season, and almost won himself an England callup.

Now he has swapped St James’ Park for Elland Road. While the stadium has changed, he remains glued to the bench.