A bygone era at Newcastle United is ending.
While there has been so much change at Newcastle since the takeover, actually moving players on has proven difficult for the club.
Still, Allan Saint-Maximin has now bid farewell to the club and another previously key player has officially left.
Karl Darlow, a key figure in the team over the years, has joined Leeds United.
Eddie Howe’s squad is well-stocked on the goalkeeper front with Nick Pope starring and Loris Karius staying around. With Martin Dubravka also available, its one of the stronger areas of the squad.
However, Darlow deserves respect. There were times during the Steve Bruce era that he was pressing a case to be called up to the England team, while he was an ever-present in the side who won promotion under Rafa Benitez.
Darlow has been described as “outstanding” at Championship level by Hull manager Liam Rosenior following his loan stint there last season and perhaps a move back down there could help him.
Loris Karius sends message to Karl Darlow after Leeds move
In effect, Karius has seemingly replaced Darlow.
The German signed a new contract earlier this summer after impressing Howe despite making only one competitive appearance.
After Darlow posted an emotional goodbye to Newcastle fans on Instagram, Karius commented: “All the best bro.”
Somewhat symbolic for Newcastle
While not a change likely to have too impact on the first-team, it does represent the changing of the guard somewhat.
Karius, along with Pope, are the goalkeepers brought in under Howe’s watch. With every passing window, he gets more of an imprint on the squad as a whole, rather than just the first-team players signed since the takeover.
Such has been the success of the recruitment policy since Howe was appointed, that can only be a good thing for the club.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
