As was inevitable as soon as Martin Dubravka departed for Manchester United, Newcastle now find themselves in the position of losing a backup ‘keeper as Karl Darlow has picked up an ankle injury which will keep him out of action for a few months.
Given this injury, Newcastle have acted quickly to bring in cover in the shape of former Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius, who was a free agent following his release from Anfield.
#NUFC deal for Loris Karius until January has been agreed. Free agent as cover for Karl Darlow following injury
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) September 8, 2022
Karius’ arrival hasn’t exactly been met with jubilation on Tyneside as many see him as not being anywhere near good enough, however, we have to remember he’s only coming in as backup and is very likely to ever be seen on the pitch unless something were to happen to Nick Pope.
The German stopper is of course, most remembered for his howlers in the 2018 Champions League Final for Liverpool against Real Madrid, where a poor throw was intercepted by Karim Benzema for him to slot it home, and then the Real’s third goal where Karius was unable to keep out Gareth Bale’s 40 yard effort.
Speaking earlier this summer, Karius hinted that he was ready to find a new club and a new challenge after a week-long holiday, as reported in The Chronicle, he said “I’m ready for it and I’m getting fit now. That’s my focus right now. I’m in top shape. I’ve been training at the highest level all year, with one of the best teams in the world. I’ve done a lot for myself physically. I’ve worked a lot on my personality and strengthened myself mentally, that’s why I’m I’m excited about what’s to come.
“I’m free and I can make my own decisions. This is a new situation that I’m looking forward to. A new challenge is coming up, but that’s always a good thing. I’m ready, mentally and physically.”
Karius’ signing will need to be completed today as today is the deadline for clubs to submit their final 25-man squad for the first half of the season.
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