After reportedly being turned down by goalkeeper Ben Foster, Newcastle United have turned to Loris Karius to fulfil their backup goalkeeper spot, according to reports.
Towards the end of the summer transfer window, the Magpies let former No 1 Martin Dubravka go after his starting spot was taken by new signing Nick Pope.
While they have Karl Darlow still in the squad, the 31-year-old’s injury has led to the Toon seeking emergency backup. They are close to agreeing a deal for former Liverpool ‘keeper Karius, who had most recently been plying his trade in the Bundesliga with Mainz.
However, it was recently revealed by journalist Pete O’Rourke that Newcastle had made a move for former Watford star Ben Foster, but were turned down by the Englishman, which has led them to Karius.
While the 29-year-old could be a good backup, we believe they should perhaps have pushed a little harder to bring the ex-Hornets man in.
Well… he has more recent experience
Foster is 10 years older and has far more experience – particularly in the English top flight – than Karius, who hasn’t played since the 2020/21 season.
Overall, Foster has 390 appearances in the Premier League for teams such as Watford, Manchester United and West Brom, whereas Karius only made 29 top-flight appearances during his time at Liverpool. Foster also played 26 games in the league last season for Watford, while the former Liverpool man hasn’t featured in the competition since the 2017/18 season.
Less error-prone
Meanwhile, Foster has been a reliable ‘keeper for a long time, hence his ability to play in the Premier League well into his late 30s. Karius, on the other hand, is yet to turn 30 and had been without a club before signing for Newcastle.
Foster is a player you could bring in, in the knowledge that he can be a steady pair of hands. He might not keep you a clean sheet, but he has the capability to keep you in games. It may be hard for Newcastle fans to immediately trust Karius with his huge blunder in the 2018 Champions League final for Liverpool still in the memory.
Karius could end up being a decent backup for Eddie Howe, but one thing is for sure, fans would surely feel more confident seeing Foster step in.
Who would you rather have?Foster
Karius
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