Lee Ryder believes that Karl Darlow could be set to leave Newcastle United this month.
The Lowdown: A bloated goalkeeper department
As things stand, following Loris Karius’ contract extension Newcastle have five first-team keepers on their books, which is simply unsustainable for the club as it’s not required – while it is also very hard to keep everyone happy.
The situation has become muddier recently with Karius extending his stay and Martin Dubravka – somewhat surprisingly – cutting his loan deal short with Manchester United.
Therefore, at least one goalkeeper needs to be moved on, while Mark Gillespie is likely to remain out of Howe’s Premier League squad for the second half of the season. That means the likeliest departure is to be perhaps Darlow given he’s played just one league game for the Magpies since Howe came into the club.
The Latest: Darlow likely to leave this month
Darlow is now 32 years old, which although not too old for a ‘keeper, with first-team opportunities not going to be presenting themselves on Tyneside, Ryder has claimed on the Everything is Black and White podcast that the shot-stopper is in contention to depart.
He said: “You can’t have five goalkeepers, so I’m presuming that Karl Darlow could be in contention for a loan move. He hasn’t done anything wrong, really, apart from being in the side and pushing on to be an able deputy to Nick Pope, who’s been a, let’s be honest, Player of the Season candidate.”
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The Verdict: An exit best for all parties
It will be a sad way for things to end for Darlow, but the writing appeared to be on the wall not too long ago, as when Dubravka was back from his loan spell, he was immediately put onto the bench, taking Darlow’s spot in the matchday squad.
Darlow has been a reliable ‘keeper for Newcastle over the years, helping them win promotion out of the Championship and playing a decent amount of Premier League games – particularly whenever Dubravka was injured.
Not too long ago, Darlow was being talked about as someone who could receive an England call-up, so it has been something of a fall from grace for the shot-stopper, but with Nick Pope in great form and Howe clearly favouring Dubravka, Darlow appears to have no future on Tyneside, so him leaving for regular football and Newcastle getting him off their wage bill would work for everyone.