Eddie Howe ‘opted to move’ for Loris Karius as Newcastle looked to bring in another goalkeeper.
That’s according to The Northern Echo’s chief sports writer Scott Wilson, who wrote an article amid the Toon’s impending announcement of Karius’ signing.
Following an ankle injury sustained by current No.2 Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka’s loan move to Manchester United, the club were forced into bringing in a backup goalkeeper with Mark Gillespie, yet to make a Premier League appearance, the only other option.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealed that Karius was on the verge of a move to St. James’ Park and while Wilson has stated that the official announcement is being held off due to the Queen’s passing, it also came to light that Ben Foster was a target.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that the Magpies had an approach ‘turned down’ by the former Watford shot-stopper before turning to Karius however Wilson’s depiction would seem to suggest that the club sided with the German netminder due to Howe’s preference.
He wrote: ‘Newcastle officials held preliminary talks with Ben Foster, who is a free agent following his release from Watford in the summer, but Howe opted to move for Karius, who has been without a club since being released from Liverpool at the end of last season.’
With the most saves in the league, this season (28) and a joint-high three clean sheets it is hard to see Nick Pope being dislodged from between the sticks any time soon but it seems as if Howe feels Karius can bring that needed competition to stop the no.1 from becoming complacent.
He was last involved at Union Berlin in the 2020/21 campaign but Newcastle supporters will recall his infamous 2018 Champions League final display in a Liverpool shirt.
Considering Foster has played 390 times in the Premier League, including 27 times last season, you could see why Foster would be the first choice target but perhaps Howe feels at 29, Karius is at a good age to compete beyond the reported short-term contract.
