The Newcastle United goalkeeping department could be shaken up this summer, and it looks like it will result in Karl Darlow leaving the club.
The 32-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City and did well, but is now due back on Tyneside. However, he has multiple clubs chasing his signature.
Hull are keen to bring Darlow back, while they face competition from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
A move to the Riverside Stadium might suit the Toon stopper – although it is still not fully clear whether or not Newcastle intend to keep Darlow at St James’ Park.
However, recent developments hint that an exit could be on the horizon.
Karl Darlow likely to leave Newcastle
According to the Chronicle, Darlow is ‘unlikely’ to stay Newcastle this summer. They state that he is mulling over his options ahead of next season.
This comes after the club announced their retained list last week, with Mark Gillespie agreeing an extension to remain on Tyneside. Newcastle have also offered a new deal to Loris Karius, who has been linked with a move to Italy.
But if Karius does decide to stay at Newcastle then it is extremely likely that Darlow will be moved on.
Newcastle’s first and second choice goalkeepers appear to be set in stone. Nick Pope is the undeniable first choice, and it sounds like Martin Dubravka is happy to stay on as deputy to the England international.
That would mean Darlow would be battling for third choice if he stayed, which is a futile role for a goalkeeper of his quality. Callum Wilson has previously described him as ‘unbelievable‘, and it would be a waste of his talent to not even get a place on the bench.
A move away makes the most sense for Darlow, who currently earns £30,000-a-week at Newcastle, with his contract due to expire in 2025. While he has been excellent for the Magpies, he could do with a fresh start where he can be number one – a luxury he has rarely been afforded at St James’ Park.
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