Latest news with #Darlow
BBC News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Piroe earns golden boot award
Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has a personal achievement to go along with the side's promotion and title win on Saturday - the Championship's golden Dutchman found the net 19 times to be named the second division's highest scorer, beating out Burnley's Josh Brownhill with 18."It's something I'm really happy with, personally," Piroe told BBC Radio Leeds."I said before if you become champion and you get the golden boot, you can't really complain as a striker, can you?"Goalkeeper Karl Darlow has also had a personally gratifying played second fiddle to number one stopper Illan Meslier since joining from Newcastle in July 2023, a series of errors from the Frenchman gave Darlow first call on the team sheet for the final seven games of the kept four clean sheets across those games to help his side clinch the title - though when it comes to pride, it's the collective that matters."I've stayed professional throughout the whole thing and waited and bided my time to get an opportunity, to get a chance to get into the side," Darlow said."I'm just proud of what we've done as a group and how we've got over the line. We've won the last six on the bounce, and it's an incredible way, under massive pressure from a young squad, to galvanise to get over the line."Listen to the full interviews and more on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
New York Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Leeds United squad audit: The Premier League beckons. Who is ready?
Promotion at Leeds United has delivered joyous scenes across the club and the wider city since it was confirmed. There was the night Burnley beat Sheffield United to seal the deal, Monday's demolition of Bristol City with the subsequent celebrations inside Elland Road and then we come to Saturday away to Plymouth Argyle. With the hosts virtually relegated and Leeds chasing the title, it should be another historic day on the south coast. Advertisement The players have, quite rightly, been enjoying themselves since a top-two finish was secured. The owners were on the pitch after the Bristol City win too, congratulating the squad and backroom staff. As Daniel Farke has explained, what's the sense in any of this sacrifice if you do not enjoy it when you have success? While everyone has tried to live in the moment and soak up this special fortnight, attention within the club will be on how they go about staying in the Premier League. Many of the players who have contributed to promotion are likely to have minor roles next season, if at all. The Athletic has carried out an audit of the first-team squad as of the end of this season. This factors in the various loan deals that will have concluded by June 30 and those players returning to their parent clubs. Karl Darlow (contract expires 2026) The 34-year-old finishes this season as first-choice goalkeeper. While he rarely impressed in the isolated appearances he was given in cup competition, Darlow has helped everyone breathe a sigh of relief over the past month. As the team have grown more and more dominant throughout April, Darlow has had less and less to do, but the cheers for virtually every catch he made against Preston North End spoke volumes. This is a fanbase which has been through the ringer between the sticks, but Darlow's been a sight for sore eyes. As has been the trend for much of his career, the expectation is that Darlow returns to being a back-up goalkeeper next season, with a new No 1 likely to be targeted. Illan Meslier (contract expires 2026) With one year left on the deal he signed in 2021, when his stock was at its highest, a parting of the ways feels natural with the Frenchman. Meslier could not have asked for more support from Farke. There were highs and lows last season, but the lows in this second campaign under the manager have been hard to swallow. The concessions at home to Portsmouth, away to Sunderland, away to Hull City and at home to Swansea City will not be quickly forgotten. Advertisement Darlow's competence has only shone a light on the fragility Meslier played with. A sale, but not at anything like the fee United may have got four years ago, seems certain. Alex Cairns (contract expires 2026) Cairns is arguably the most popular member of the dressing room. The third-choice goalkeeper has not played a single minute this season, but has been a welcome, reassuring voice behind the scenes. The 32-year-old returned to West Yorkshire with every hope of forcing his way past Meslier and Darlow, but at no stage has he thrown his toys out of the pram because of his watching brief. He helps with the homegrown quota and looks like the ideal fit as third-choice next season, too. Jayden Bogle (contract expires 2028) Bogle has Premier League experience. He made 50 appearances across two seasons with Sheffield United, but both campaigns ended in 20th place. He would argue he is a better player now. He has never started more games in a campaign than he has with Leeds under Farke in 2024-25. He's been tremendous virtually all season, but especially so since spring arrived. The 24-year-old will feel he has something to prove in the top flight. While fiercer competition for him may be needed at right-back, Bogle is at least among those on the list who have a chance of making the grade in 2025-26. Isaac Schmidt (contract expires 2028) For all of the positive comments Farke has made about the Swiss full-back, he goes into the final day of the season with only 78 minutes of league football behind him this term. There has evidently been reluctance from Farke in using Schmidt, and you wonder how that translates into an even tougher challenge. The 25-year-old has been encouraging in moments, but you wonder how much appetite he has for what will surely be another year spent watching more than playing. Joe Rodon (contract expires 2028) After 15 appearances with Tottenham Hotspur, including only eight starts, in the top flight, Rodon is yet to be properly tested at that level. There is no doubt he is too good for the Championship on the evidence of the past two seasons. Not only has he been a reliable and durable starter, but Rodon has been commanding in defence and assured in possession. He is going to be facing far more accomplished strikers in the Premier League, so this will not be an easy transition. Advertisement Like Bogle, Rodon does not need upgrading. Pascal Struijk (contract expires 2027) Injuries have been the biggest challenge Struijk has struggled with over the past two years. When he plays, the vice-captain has been solid at the heart of defence and, crucially, one of the few players in the team with an attacking aerial threat. The side will need to do a lot of defending next season, and the club is bound to look for fresh faces in central defence. Struijk could be one of those under pressure to be a starter. Having been bought as a youth player in 2018, Struijk is one of the players who would generate a meaningful profit if the club did need to ease any profit and sustainability rules (PSR) this summer. Max Wober (contract expires 2027) Like Brenden Aaronson, the Austrian returned to the club under a cloud last summer. Unlike the American, however, Wober never stayed fit enough to win over the supporters. The 27-year-old did manage to find the net in a home win over Derby County, but has not been seen frequently. Wober was one of the few players to emerge with any credit from 2023's relegation, but you would not be surprised if he sought pastures new. James Debayo (contract unknown) Nothing has been said officially about Debayo's contract situation by Leeds. As someone who barely got beyond the bench this season, it's hard to see him figuring next term. An exit of some description seems most likely. Junior Firpo (contract expires summer 2025) For all of his flaws during his two years in the top flight, Firpo has been superb in the Championship. In a team which has dominated possession and territory, Firpo has been effectively freed of any defensive duties. The former Barcelona full-back frequently pops up like a striker. Only Joel Piroe, Daniel James and Manor Solomon have been involved in more goals this season. Advertisement Firpo's status among the fanbase has no doubt improved too. Transgressions in the Premier League have been forgotten, and he now has two of the best chants in the supporters' songbook. However, in a team which will have to defend a lot next season, Firpo is unlikely to have the attributes needed to stop any bleeding. Perhaps he's offered a back-up role, but it would not be a surprise if he was ready for a new challenge. Sam Byram (contract expires summer 2025) You can see the trend emerging at left-back. This is where they will need to be busy. Byram is one of Farke's favourites, and he has played more than most people would have expected since he returned in 2023. However, is he ready for the robust challenge of the Premier League? He helps with the homegrown quota and is a solid defender but an upgrade is needed. Ethan Ampadu (contract expires 2027) Ampadu will continue to be one of the first names on the teamsheet while Farke is in charge. According to sources at Leeds, kept anonymous to protect relationships, the captain is one of the few players the club has confidence can make the step up. He will keep the armband and be a crucial figure in midfield. Ao Tanaka (contract expires 2028) Another of those who has looked several cuts above the Championship when at his best. The physicality and the speed of the Premier League has caused some questions about Tanaka inside the club, but if anyone is going to retain their place in the top division, it's the Japan international. Tanaka's passing has been a joy to watch. Ilia Gruev (contract expires 2027) Not quite a starter when everyone is fit, but the Bulgaria international has the basic attributes to at least be a functional member of the squad. Seems to enjoy a fight in the trenches, and there will be lots of that. Advertisement Darko Gyabi (contract expires 2026) Gyabi was given a brief chance in the early weeks of Farke's first season, but did not make the grade before being loaned out. Was sent out again last summer and ended up making more league appearances than anyone else at Plymouth this season. It is hard to believe he is ready to feature frequently in the top flight. Perhaps a contract extension and another loan to the Championship may give Leeds one last look at the 21-year-old's long-term potential. Charlie Crew (contract expires 2028) The 18-year-old has three years to go on his contract. Having played a part in Doncaster Rovers' League Two promotion, the next logical step would be a full campaign in the third tier. Josuha Guilavogui (contract expires summer 2025) The veteran only came in when United's midfield department was at breaking point. In the end, Tanaka and Joe Rothwell proved more than able to hold the fort, but, in the meantime, Guilavogui has quietly become a key part of the dressing room. There's no chance of him being offered new terms, but you would not be surprised in a few years if several members of this squad talk up the crucial part the French midfielder played in their success. Brenden Aaronson (contract expires 2027) In a team which has dominated most of this division, it is hard to pick out too many flaws. Aaronson has worked hard and played a key role — starting 42 games — but there have long been question marks over the No 10 position and the options available to Farke. Aaronson has left everything on the pitch to get the team promoted, but question marks about his end product in the Championship are hardly going to dissipate in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has been left out of one USMNT squad this year, and he will have one eye on his club minutes before next summer's World Cup. Leeds might look to add at No 10. And there is a world in which, with the World Cup in mind, Aaronson might want to move. Sam Greenwood (contract expires 2026) Now 23, Greenwood seems to have found his level in the second tier. A promising loan with Middlesbrough has been followed by a Preston switch, which has generated eight goal involvements from 37 appearances. With one year left on his deal, a permanent switch seems likely — he will have plenty of suitors in the Championship. Daniel James (contract expires 2026) The Wales international knows he will have to prove himself all over again after promotion, but his performances over the last two seasons have given hope he can make the step up. With one year left on his deal, James is likely to be one of the club's priorities in contract talks. With reinforcements expected across the attacking positions in the team, James will be pushed to keep his starting berth. Advertisement Wilfried Gnonto (contract expires 2028) In the first year under Farke, Gnonto started less than half of the league games. This season, he's going to finish with 26 if he continues at Home Park on Saturday. In each campaign, he's been overshadowed by two other wingers. Gnonto does not look consistent enough in the final third to be one of United's first-choice wingers if they hope to survive the drop. The Italian will be delighted to be back in the top flight as he eyes the World Cup. At 21, with three years still to run on his deal, Gnonto should not be too unhappy about being an impact player from the bench. Like Struijk, the forward is one of the players Leeds could generate a sizeable PSR boost from. Largie Ramazani (contract expires 2028) When he played, and it was not very often, Ramazani looked better than decent. With six goals and two assists from his 785 minutes, the Belgian virtually averaged one goal contribution per 90 minutes. For whatever reason, Farke struggled to put his faith in Ramazani. Is Farke going to feel keener to play Ramazani against even tougher opposition next year? Ramazani has something about him, and Leeds will be reluctant to ignore that, especially with three years still to run on his contract. Perhaps his fate will be dictated by who United are able to bring in. Jack Harrison (contract expires 2028) Solomon's impending return to Tottenham does open up a slot on the wings for Harrison, but has too much water passed under the bridge? Three consecutive loans with Leeds before a permanent transfer have been followed by another two consecutive loans with Everton. However legitimate the reasons were for Harrison choosing to leave on loan for two years in a row, the optics are not great on him now returning. If Aaronson and Wober had a tall order returning after one season away, you can sense how frosty the reception may be for Harrison. Advertisement It would not be a shock to see the winger find a move this summer, but the contract he signed in April 2023, after being pulled out of a Leicester City transfer at the 11th hour, is lucrative. Finding another club that is prepared to get close to those wages may be United's hardest task. Should he stay, the reviews from Everton on his past two years have hardly been glowing. Sam Chambers (contract expires 2028) A loan move looks highly likely for the 17-year-old. Joel Piroe (contract expires 2027) Borja Sainz will back himself to add to his 17 goals against relegated Cardiff City but Piroe has one hand on the Championship's Golden Boot with 19. Some strikers do make the leap from the second tier to the top flight and keep scoring such as Ivan Toney, Jamie Vardy and Chris Wood. Is Piroe in that bracket? He's never played in the top flight, and it would be unfair to prejudge. Piroe will be at Elland Road next season and he will get that chance, but he should not be surprised when Leeds go after extra firepower too. In the worst-case scenario, Piroe is a poacher Leeds can turn to from the bench; in the best case, he hits double figures and proves himself. Patrick Bamford (contract expires 2026) Seven years after arriving under Marcelo Bielsa, Bamford is still plugging away. For the fourth consecutive season, injury problems have dogged the England international. To his credit, he has impressed in his late run of cameos this spring. With one year left on his contract and a need for upgrades across the squad, Bamford could find his place in the group under scrutiny. It is no secret Bamford is among the highest earners and Leeds may feel those wages could be better spent. Bamford himself must be open to a move. He will be 32 before the end of the year and will likely start the new season behind Piroe in the pecking order, if not a new striker too. Does he want another year to slip away on the bench? Advertisement Mateo Joseph (contract expires 2028) His outstanding display away to Chelsea last season, subsequent cameos and red-hot pre-season had everyone thinking the Spaniard may become United's premier striker. Sadly, the 21-year-old has fallen short of those hopes. He's averaged one goal for about every five full matches he has completed. There is faith in his potential, and his performances with Spain's under-21s show there is a predator in there, but the top flight could come too soon. A loan seems his most likely route, but don't be surprised if Spanish outfits test United's resolve again, as they did in January. Harry Gray (youth contract) Gray is 17 in October and signing him to a professional deal will be among the biggest priorities. What exposure do Leeds look to give him next term? If he is going to be as good as all his coaches believe, then minutes from the bench should not be out of the question. The season after next may see his real breakthrough, but this is a talent Farke will want to keep close throughout 2025-26. Should Bamford and Joseph find themselves elsewhere at the end of August, Gray could form the club's striking unit alongside Piroe and a new face. Joe Gelhardt (contract expires 2027) It was not so long ago that Gelhardt was being described in a similar way to how Gray. Gelhardt has played often for Hull City since his January loan, and that will stand him in good stead. The big decision for United is whether they sell or loan the 22-year-old. Gelhardt could comfortably be someone Leeds regret losing in four or five years' time if it clicks elsewhere. (Top photos: Getty Images)
BBC News
13-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Darlow in just in time to secure promotion'
Every curling ball lofted into the Leeds box this season has caused unease among the fanbase because goalkeeper Illan Meslier's mistakes from flaps, punches and parries have shredded when Karl Darlow reached up into the spring sunshine and caught a couple of crosses on his home league debut on Saturday lunchtime, those catches were celebrated like Leeds' new number one, the game couldn't have gone much Wales international's name was sung, he could not be blamed for Kaine Kesler-Hayden's thunderous strike for Preston and Darlow's team mates rallied around him after his one goalkeeper's performances in the past two games have been close to flawless and there is a clear boost to the mood of the side. The defenders, who had been visibly affected by former preferred-starter Meslier's form, look far more comfortable the hundreds of Championship games he has managed, Daniel Farke had never previously changed his starting goalkeeper. Maybe this is why it took so long to make that decision, but it clearly should have been made far years ago both Meslier and Darlow were getting peppered in the Premier League. But the then Newcastle keeper Darlow outperformed his now team-mate, during the first half of the season with his 71.76 'save percentage' being the best in the English top division among goalkeepers who had faced over 200 the metric that measures a goalkeeper's performance against expected goals (post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed), over his career, Darlow has conceded 30 fewer goals than expected against Meslier's Darlow contracted until summer 2026, it is surely time to move on from Meslier and I expect Leeds will look to replace him whatever happens this addition to looking like a significant upgrade, it feels like he has replaced Meslier just in time to secure Leeds promotion.
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Farke on 'reliable' Darlow and promotion belief
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media ahead of their Championship trip to Luton Town on Saturday (12.30 BST).Here are the key lines:Farke confirmed that Karl Darlow will replace Illan Meslier in goal for the trip to Kenilworth Road. On Darlow: "I have a reliable and proper option in Darlow. An experienced goalkeeper, proven at this level, top class character. I know he hasn't played many league games in the last few years, but he performs really well every day in training, loyal and in a good moment right now because he's played two solid performances for Wales. He's in a good rhythm so we got the feeling in this moment, heading into a nervy crunch time period, feeling the pressure, it's the right time to take this decision."Patrick Bamford and Max Wober are in training and are "in the mix" after long term injuries. Willy Gnonto is ready to start if available following his ankle injury. No further belief the club will be promoted: "It's my honest feeling, I'm not nervous at all, I'm totally calm and cool that we'll play in the Premier League next season. I'm older and have experience of a few situations. I've been involved in promotion battles in my managerial career, won the title and promotion five times. You get a feeling if you have a team that will make it and I wouldn't speak about it if I wasn't 100% convinced. "Of course at this stage you can't guarantee you'll finish in the top two, the race is too tight. We have strong opponents with Sheffield United, Burnley, even Sunderland have an outside chance. I can't guarantee top two, but I still think we have a great chance to finish top two and if not then the play-offs."On coping with Luton's likely physical approach: "I can't prevent this and this will be exactly the fact. Everyone expected Luton to be in a better position this season. They have many players who played Premier League last season, they have Premier League physicality and right now a good run of form. Last five games, they're in position five in the form table. They know they need each and every point."Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
