Keith Downie reports that Newcastle United are set to complete the signing of Loris Karius on a free transfer after the German goalkeeper left Liverpool in the summer – with Karl Darlow suffering a long-term ankle injury in training.
Karius, 29, last played a professional match in February 2021. The goalkeeper has failed to recover from his mistakes in the Champions League final, since going out on loan to Besiktas, and then to Union Berlin – where he last played.
He returned to Anfield after just five appearances for Union during the 2021-22 season. But he failed to even make the bench on one occasion for Jurgen Klopp’s side. His contract expired in June, and had failed to find a new club.
But Newcastle have been forced into action. Having allowed Martin Dubravka to join Manchester United on a loan-to-buy basis, with Nick Pope now no.1, Darlow was acting as back-up. Freddie Woodman has joined Preston permanently.
So, Newcastle needed cover for Pope after Darlow’s ankle injury – and they have moved to quickly bring in Karius. Downie reports that Newcastle will bring in the one-time Germany Under-21 international on a short-term basis.
Downie: Newcastle set to complete Karius signing after Darlow injury
Completely out of the blue, and somewhat bizarre. But Newcastle were forced into action. Darlow’s injury, and only being able to call Dubravka back from his loan-to-buy Manchester United move in January, means they need cover.
The free agent market had to be targeted, and in comes Karius. It remains to be seen what kind of level Karius is at, given he has not played for so long. There might still be scars of the Champions League final in 2018.
But it is a necessary move from the Toon and Eddie Howe. It is unclear when confirmation will be announced, but a deal looks set to be done in the coming hours. He could be on the bench when Newcastle face West Ham on Sunday.
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