Rafael Benitez hasn’t made too many mistakes at Newcastle United but selling Karl Darlow and replacing him with West Ham’s Adrian would raise eyebrows.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
‘In Rafa we trust’ has become a popular phrase at St James’ Park in the last 12 months. And, so far, there has been little reason for Newcastle United supporters to question the decision making of their beloved boss.
However, fans could be forgiven for wondering why Benitez appears to have his doubts about talented shot-stopper Karl Darlow. After all, the former Nottingham Forest prospect starting the season as second choice behind Matz Sels and only forced his way into the starting XI three months into the season once the Belgian had made one mistake too many.
And despite playing a huge role as Newcastle lifted the Championship title, saving crucial points with a number of virtuoso performances, the Northern Echo report that Darlow is likely to be sold this summer.
Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow
However, while Darlow was playing out of his skin in the Championship, barring the odd mistake of course, his potential replacement spent most of the season collecting splinters rather than shots.
One in, one out?
The Sun claim that West Ham goalkeeper Adrian is one of the players on the radar of his compatriot Benitez this summer.
West Ham United’s Adrian
The Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero following his release from the Etihad. Yet if the Argentine had divided supporters, Adrian certainly will.
After all, the 30-year-old endured arguably his most disappointing season in English football since moving from Real Betis in 2013. Starting just 16 league games, the lowest of his four seasons at West Ham, Adrian lost his place to Darren Randolph in November after being publically criticised by manager Slaven Bilic after gifting Stoke City an equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
And while all goalkeepers make mistakes now and again, Darlow is far from perfect, Adrian’s performances in 2016/17 hardly suggest he would represent an upgrade.
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