Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius set to join Newcastle on a free transfer

Loris Karius is in advanced talks to sign for Newcastle United as a free agent, according to Sky Sports.

The German goalkeeper left Liverpool this summer after his contract with the Reds expired. He will join Newcastle after the Tyneside club moved for him.

Newcastle backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow suffered an injury in training yesterday. Darlow’s scan shows torn ankle ligament, and he will be out for a considerable time.

Newcastle number two goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is on a season-long loan at Manchester United. The club cannot recall him until January.

The Tyneside club has now moved for Karius to back up Nick Pope. Karius will undergo a medical and sign a short-term deal with Newcastle.

Karius has not played for Liverpool since they signed Brazilian international Alisson Becker from AS Roma. The 29-year-old spent time on loan at Besiktas for two seasons and Union Berlin for the 2020/21 campaign.

He returned to Liverpool in July 2021 after failing to find a permanent move but did not make any appearance for the club throughout the 2021/22 season. Karius left the club this summer after six years.

Karius joined Liverpool from Mainz in 2016 for £4.5 million but has struggled at Merseyside despite his promising signs in Germany. He made just 49 appearances for the club during his time at Anfield.

He is famous for two gaffes that gave Real Madrid the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League. It cost him his time at the club. Liverpool moved to sign Alisson and never looked Karius’ way again.

Newcastle will hope Karius, who has been without a club for months, can get fit for the club’s trip to London to face West Ham on Sunday.

Eddie Howe will have Pope in goal, but he wants a senior/experienced backup goalkeeper on his bench in case of any unfortunate incidents.