Newcastle United fans react to Karl Darlow’s reported contract stand-off.
Newcastle United fans aren’t optimistic about keeping Karl Darlow at the club beyond this summer.
The Chronicle reported on Tuesday morning that the 27-year-old – whose contract expires in 2020 – is refusing to sign an extension until he receives first-team assurances.
Darlow has played second fiddle to Martin Dubravka since the Sparta Prague goalkeeper joined on loan in January, and a permanent deal for him would not be good news for the former Nottingham Forest man, who joined in 2014.
Dubravka is a fan favourite among Newcastle fans as a result of how brilliant he has been since arriving on Tyneside.
And Magpies supporters don’t believe that Darlow will be able to dislodge the Slovakian star.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle paid around £4.2 million to sign Darlow, who joined at the same time as Jamaal Lascelles.
United could have got around £5 million for him last summer when Middlesbrough were sniffing around, though they refused after failing to sign a replacement for him or third-choice Rob Elliot.
He is undoubtedly a good goalkeeper and one who will improve, but mistakes cost him his place in Newcastle’s best XI and manager Rafael Benitez surely can’t guarantee him regular football, even if Dubravka does not wind up signing for the long term.
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