Leeds sign Newcastle man for mind-boggling fee, but Farke rocked as star ‘wants to quit’

Leeds Utd have signed ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow for a shockingly low fee, and the move has come at just the right time given a troubling update regarding Illan Meslier.

Daniel Farke’s side have slowly but surely begun to get their ducks in a row ahead of a promotion push. Ethan Ampadu became Leeds’ first major summer signing when joining on a four-year deal from Chelsea on July 19.

Ampadu set the Whites back around £7m prior to add-ons. The 22-year-old now has company in the new signings department by way of Karl Darlow.

The 32-year-old was unveiled by Leeds on Saturday evening. The veteran stopper has penned a three-year deal after the move was officially confirmed via the club’s website.

Speculation within the media claimed Darlow could set Leeds back as much as £5m. However, according to LeedsLive, the final fee is a far more modest £400,000.

Whether Darlow was signed to compete with or replace Illan Meslier isn’t clear. However, if a concerning update from Football Insider is accurate, it’ll wind up being the latter.

Indeed, the online outlet declared Meslier ‘wants to quit’ Leeds Utd.

The 23-year-old Frenchman endured another torrid campaign last season and lost his place to Joel Robles in the latter stages of the season.

According to FI, Meslier does not want to play in the Championship and as such, wants out of Elland Road.

However, despite drawing fleeting links with several English sides including Man Utd and Tottenham, it’s understood concrete interest hasn’t emerged.

As such, the report claims a move overseas to Spain, Italy or France may be required if Meslier is to play top flight football next season.

On the subject of cost, Leeds will reportedly seek in the range of £20m-£25m for Meslier.

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