Would Newcastle be foolish to let Anderlecht target Tim Krul leave?

Follow us on Google Discover

Anderlecht have been linked with Tim Krul, but are Newcastle being too hasty in letting him leave?

Newcastle United’s Tim Krul

The future of Tim Krul as a Newcastle United player is looking increasingly uncertain as the goalkeeper is strongly linked with a move to Belgium.

The Chronicle reports that Anderlecht are interested in Krul, after cooling their pursuit of fellow Magpies stopper Matz Sels, who himself is now looking likely to join Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Newcastle United’s Matz Sels looks dejected after the match

In turn, Newcastle will turn their attention to either Napoli’s Pepe Reina – who Rafael Benitez managed in Naples and at Liverpool – or Willy Caballero, who is out of contract this summer after leaving Manchester City.

Yet is Benitez being too hasty in letting Krul leave St James’ Park? After all, following admittedly underwhelming loan stays at Ajax and AZ Alkmaar in 2016/17, the 29-year-old has said he can’t wait to return to the North East.

Newcastle United’s Tim Krul

“It’s been a while – I’m looking forward to going back there after completing my loan at AZ,” Krul told the Shields Gazette.

“I’ve been at Newcastle for 11 seasons. It’s part of my life – a massive part of my life.

“My wife is from Newcastle. My little girl was born in Newcastle. I’ve got more links to Newcastle than just football. That’s something to be massively proud of.”

Bafetimbi Gomis rounds Newcastle’s Tim Krul to score the first goal for Swansea

Aside from his personal connections, it is worth remembering that Krul has been a standout performer for the Toon in the Premier League for many seasons.

The Netherlands international has played 185 times for the club since breaking into the first team in 2007; 157 of which came in England’s top tier, as well as winning the player of the month award in December 2013.

Not many ‘keepers at that level can boast the same amount of experience and while Karl Darlow did well in the Championship last season, surely the Dutchman would be more adequate competition than Rob Elliot and would save a potential venture into the transfer market?