Newcastle United confirm Loris Karius signing

Newcastle United have confirmed that they have completed the signing of goalkeeper Loris Karius.

During the summer transfer window, Newcastle initially strengthened their options between the sticks with the addition of England international Nick Pope.

While the new arrival has cemented his place in the team, his backup has changed, with Martin Dubravka being allowed to move to Manchester United on loan.

Furthermore, Karl Darlow has sustained an injury which will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future, forcing Eddie Howe to act in the free agent market.

The Magpies boss has subsequently taken the decision to sign Karius, who has been without a club since his release from Liverpool in the summer.

© Reuters

Speaking on the deal, Howe said: "We are pleased to add Loris to our goalkeeping group. 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.

The contract is described as "short term", with Karius either being tied to Newcastle until January or the end of the season.

The 29-year-old said: "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."

© Reuters

Although Karius made 49 appearances for Liverpool across two seasons, he is best known for the two mistakes that he made during the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid, contributing to a 3-1 defeat.

Karius has not represented Liverpool in a competitive match since that game, instead spending loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin respectively.

As many as 67 outings were made for the former, allowing Karius to rebuild his career, but just five appearances came back in his homeland.

In his four matches in the Bundesliga, the last of which came in February 2021, Karius kept two clean sheets and conceded just two goals.