After the loan signing of Sparta Prague’s Martin Dubravka is Karl Darlow now third choice goalkeeper at Newcastle?
Harry Kane of England attempts to block Martin Dubravka of Slovakia during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier at Wembley Stadium.
Newcastle United managed to squeeze in two loan deals on deadline day to bolster their squad, with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka arriving from Sparta Prague and striker Islam Slimani signed from Leicester City.
These were two positions that manager Rafa Benitez was keen to address during the January transfer window and therefore the Spaniard is likely to be happy the moves were completed.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez reacts during the Premier League match against Burnley.
Slimani can certainly add a different element to a Magpies attack that has struggled to make much impression this season since their return to the Premier League.
Yet the arrival of Dubravka could be seen as a little harsh on the ‘keepers already at the club, particularly Karl Darlow who could now be third choice at St James’ Park and therefore may not play again this season.
The 29-year-old will assumedly be Benitez’s new number one – a role which Darlow and Rob Elliot have shared this term with the former playing 11 times in all competitions and the latter 16.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow waits for a free-kick to be taken during the English FA Cup fourth round football match against Chelsea.
Elliot had been the stopper Benitez called upon until he suffered an injury, but when the Republic of Ireland international returns he could well move back ahead of his English counterpart and behind Dubravka.
This will leave Darlow well down the pecking order, which seems a little harsh on someone who played such a key role in Newcastle winning the Championship title and returning to the top flight in 2016/17.
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