Before Christmas, you could argue that Karl Darlow was Newcastle’s player of the season.
With six games remaining, the goalkeeper can no longer get in the team.
With Martin Dubravka injured, Darlow started the season as Newcastle’s number one.
Despite some concerns, the former Forest stopper proved that he was more than up to the task. Had it not been for him, we certainly would have picked up fewer points.
But when Dubravka returned to fitness, the pressure started to mount on Darlow.
A couple of mistakes crept into his game, and he was eventually replaced by the Slovakian on the 27th February against Wolves.
Since then, Darlow hasn’t played a single minute of football.
Now there are reports that he could leave this summer. According to the Sunday Mirror (pg62, April 18th), Watford are eyeing a £6million move for the goalkeeper.
The Hornets are battling to return to the Premier League, having suffered relegation last season.
And if Watford do come in for Darlow, the club must not stand in his way if the fee is right.
While Darlow has been brilliant this season, he will struggle to get another chance as number one.
Dubravka is the best goalkeeper at the club. But Darlow has more than proved that he can do a job in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old needs to be playing first-team football. He can’t afford to be spending his best years sat on the bench.
And with Freddie Woodman set to return this summer, he is more than capable of stepping up to the role of deputy.
If the money is right and he wants to go, Newcastle must let Darlow leave this summer.
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