Exclusive:Leeds United icon Tony Dorigo weighs in on Karl Darlow contract situation and sends message to Lucas Perri
Leeds United icon Tony Dorigo weighs in on a senior figure's contract situation - and sends a message to an out-of-favour player
Leeds United icon Tony Dorigo believes goalkeeper Karl Darlow deserves a new contract at Elland Road.
Darlow joined the Whites from Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 amid uncertainty over the future of Illan Meslier.
A move away from Elland Road did not transpire for Meslier and Darlow therefore had to bide his time. It was not until the latter stages of Darlow’s second season that he managed to dislodge the Frenchman, who made way after a series of blunders.
Leeds signed Lucas Perri from Lyon for a reported £15.6m last summer but Darlow has also managed to oust the Brazilian from the number one spot.
Karl Darlow contract verdict
The 35-year-old is due to see his deal expire next month and Dorigo would like to see the Wales international kept on.
When asked by The Yorkshire Post if Darlow has done enough to earn a new contract, Dorigo said: “For me, most definitely. I mean, if you think of the the issues we had with the form of our ‘keepers, whether it was Meslier, whether it was Perri, for him to come in, there's a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
“When he came, he didn't play much at all, and all of a sudden, you put him in that sort of arena under that sort of pressure and he's come through it, time and time again. It's interesting because I always think with great ‘keepers, it's not actually about all the incredible saves you make. It's more the mistakes you don't.
“I think it's those that are steady as a rock. You know exactly what they're going to do. Darlow falls into that category. I think he’s been really solid for us. It's clear the defenders feel confident in him and vice versa, I think that sort of ‘keeper is always valuable.
“Whether it's as number one or two, who knows, that's up to the manager, but I think as a character and with what he's done, he's been very impressive.”
Whites manager Daniel Farke has hinted there may be a new offer on the table for Darlow, but made it clear he wants laser focus on securing the club’s Premier League safety for the time being.
Message for Lucas Perri
Questions regarding Perri’s future will undoubtedly be asked when the current campaign comes to a close. He was a high-profile signing in the last summer window and is unlikely to be keen on remaining an understudy.
Dorigo has been impressed by the Brazilian’s attitude since being dropped, although has claimed he will simply have to be patient.
He said: “Darlow isn't making those mistakes, so Perri's going to have to be patient, simple as that. But I've been impressed with his attitude. I've been impressed when he's come in to those cup games, he's done very well. I like his attitude as well, I think he found it just a little difficult at the start.
“You think back to some of the games we've got through, with the penalty kicks [at Birmingham City and West Ham United], he's done great.”