‘Massive’: Free-agent says Newcastle wanted him before Howe U-turn

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Former Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted that Newcastle United offered him a route back into the Premier League before Eddie Howe opted for Loris Karius instead, speaking on his official Instagram account.

If reports are to be believed, Howe chose Karius over Foster when given the option between two free-agent shot-stoppers in the aftermath of Karl Darlow’s ankle injury (Northern Echo). An ankle injury that should keep Newcastle’s number two out until the New Year.

Karius, having agreed the shortest of short-term deals that will initially keep him at St James’ Park for just a few months, arrives over four years after his last appearance for an English-based club; one the German would rather forget, those Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale goals in Real Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League final victory over Liverpool in 2018 still haunting the dreams of many on Merseyside.

Newcastle obviously feel Karius, ten years Foster’s junior, still has something to offer. The latter, meanwhile, remains on the lookout for a new home following Watford’s relegation in May.

Newcastle United chose Lorius Karius over Ben Foster

“Just over a week ago, I’m sitting at home (and) the phone rings; ‘Fozzy, listen I know a team that wants to sign you. It’s good to go. They want to sign you. It’s Newcastle’”,” Foster explains.

“I’ve gone; ‘oh my gosh, this is massive’. I thought, if they are going to pay me a really good wage it’s something I’ve got to (consider).”

The one-time Manchester United ‘keeper-turned-YouTube phenomenon adds that he was even ‘offered a contract’ by Newcastle. That was before Howe threw his weight behind a younger option, however. Thus, handing Karius the chance to revitalise a career that has stalled badly since his error-strewn spell at Anfield.

“We are pleased to add Loris to our goalkeeping group,” Howe says of Karius; one of the most highly-rated shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga during his time at Mainz until Liverpool came calling.

“He is a very good goalkeeper with Premier League and European experience. And he will provide competition and support over an important part of the season.”