It is a measure of the extent of the injury crisis facing Eddie Howe in recent weeks that even one of Newcastle United’s more seldom-seen players was handed a chance to impress in the Premier League a few weeks back.
The 4-1 hammering at Arsenal in mid-February saw a very rare appearance from one Loris Karius. That was only his second in Newcastle United colours – his first since the EFL Cup final loss to Arsenal – and it only came about thanks to the absences of Martin Dubravka and number one Nick Pope.
Karius’ contract expires this summer. Even if Newcastle do offer the German fresh terms, he is unlikely to accept. The former Liverpool glovesman is keen on a move to Italy. Not just for personal reasons – his fiancee is based in Italy – but because of a burning desire to get his career moving in the right direction once again.
He is only 30 years of age, and appears to have little interest in becoming Newcaste’s answer to a Scott Carson, a Rob Green or a Lee Grant.
Russia ace Andrey Lunev turned down Newcastle United
Had things worked out differently, Newcastle may have brought in Andrey Lunev rather than Karius. But the former Zenit St Petersburg and Bayer Leverkusen shot-stopper had little interest in taking on a backseat role, even if he does admit to being tempted by the prospect of a shot at English football.
“Would I like to play in England? Very (much),” Lunev explained back in March. “There was an option when I was at Bayer. One friend said that there was an opportunity to go to Newcastle and be the third or fourth (choice) goalkeeper there.
“He told me that they have two experienced goalkeepers and are missing a third goalkeeper. They just took Karius. I refused.”
Lunev, speaking to Sport24, now sheds a little more light on why he turned down Newcastle’s approach. He is now plying his trade with Qarabag. 16 points clear at hte top of the Azerbaijani top flight and having given Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen a run for their money in the Europa League, Lunev also has few regrets about his decision.
Newcastle will need a Loris Karius replacement
“If you play in Azerbaijan and in European competitions, then of course it’s better to play in Qarabag than to sit as the third or fourth goalkeeper in Newcastle,” Lunev argues.
“I’m almost 33 years old, so I still want to play football. Perhaps, at 36 years old, you will want to look at England. Then you can sit on the bench and watch!”
Lunev has played 30 games for Qarabag this season. 29 more than Karius has managed at Newcastle.
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