Following his release from Newcastle United, Loris Karius has finally found a new club.
For most football fans, goalkeeper Loris Karius will always be known for his blunders in the 2017 Champions League final during his time at Liverpool. But Newcastle fans will remember him as the goalkeeper who stepped up to the challenge for the club’s biggest game over two decades.
Karius made two competitive appearances during his time at the club. The first in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United in 2023 and another in a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League.
The German left his mark on the club despite a lack of appearances. However, in the summer Karius was one of five senior players Newcastle released.
Following his release, Karius revealed Eddie Howe wanted him to stay at Newcastle but ultimately admitted he believed his release “made sense” as he was seeking more game time – something he wouldn’t get as part of Newcastle’s squad.
At one point, Karius considered retiring from football as he couldn’t find a new club. He didn’t give up however and he’s now set to sign for his first club since leaving Newcastle since his release in the next week.
Karius set to join Schalke after Toon exit
The 31-year-old is returning to his home country for his next move. According to BILD, Karius is set to join 2. Bundesliga side Schalke on a free transfer, six months after he left Newcastle.
It’s a big step down from playing in a Champions League final, but it’s a lifeline for the shot-stopper who looked short of options.
Schalke are seriously struggling in the second tier of German football after facing financial difficulties in recent years which have caused a fall from grace, they sit 13th in the 2. Bundesliga, just nine points off the bottom of the table.
He’ll join Schalke to replace Ron-Thorben Hoffmann a former Sunderland man who is set to move elsewhere in Germany.
Karius was once linked with a shock move to Barcelona to link up with fellow German Hansi Flick, but a move never materialised.
Jeff Hendrick still without a club following Newcastle release
Karius joins other former Newcastle players who have now signed for new teams following their release in the summer. Kell Watts quickly joined Cambridge United while Matt Ritchie moved to Portsmouth, linking up with former Newcastle academy man Elias Sorensen.
Elsewhere, Paul Dummett joined Wigan on a short-term deal but has since left the club.
Jeff Hendrick was one of those included in the released list but the Irishman is still yet to find a new club after his exit.
The 32-year-old spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday where he made 11 appearances in the Championship.
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