Newcastle United have signed ex Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius on a short-term contract until January 2023.
Newcastle’s decision to sign Karius on a free transfer came about after Karl Darlow suffered an ankle injury, which left the Magpies with only two fit goalkeepers – Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie whilst Martin Dubravka and Dan Langley are out on loan at Manchester United and Gateshead respectively.
Karius until he signed a three-month contract at St James’ Park until January 2023 had been a free agent after he was released by Liverpool in the summer, having spent recent seasons on loan at Beskitas and Union Berlin following his demotion at Anfield after Alisson joined in summer 2018.
Until Alisson’s arrival, Karius had been Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Simon Mignolet until he produced a disastrous performance in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League Final cost him his Anfield future, after having been at fault for two of Real Madrid’s three goals.
Speaking about his move to Tyneside, Karius commented: “I’m excited. It’s a good opportunity for me and a great project to be part of. It didn’t take me long to make a decision.“Newcastle have a great coach and play really attractive football. I felt it was the right project for me and I’m excited to work with the coaches and my new teammates.”
Magpies Head Coach, Eddie Howe added that he is “pleased” to add Karius to his goalkeeping options whilst Darlow recovers from his ankle injury.
Explaining why the club decided to bring in Karius after failing to sign ex Watford goalie – Ben Foster, Howe said: “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.”
With Pope established as first-choice goalkeeper and set to start at home to Bournemouth on Saturday 17 September barring any injury or illness, Karius could well be set for a substitute outing on the bench.
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