Newcastle United have reportedly rejected a loan move from Birmingham City for Karl Darlow, according to Football Insider.
As per the outlet, the Tyneside club have knocked back an enquiry from the EFL Championship team as they want proven back-up to established number one goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Does Darlow have a future at Newcastle?
Yes
No
Journalist Alan Nixon also claimed that the loan deal would be “expensive” to sanction, which is maybe another factor as to why the deal looks to have collapsed.
Darlow has played in a total of 65 games at St. James’ Park since the 2015/16 season, in which he has kept 21 clean sheets and conceded 76 goals (via Transfermarkt).
However, he only played in six matches in all competitions in the 2019/20 campaign, all in the domestic cups and none in the Premier League, which suggests that perhaps the Englishman should be looking for a loan move elsewhere.
However, Steve Bruce clearly believes that he is good enough to fight for his place in the North East, and he has shown his worth before to the Magpies by being a key part of the Toon’s promotion back to the top flight in the 2016/17 term.
Having made 34 appearances in the Championship in that season, Darlow established himself as a favourite of the then-manager Rafael Benitez.
At 29 years of age as well, the ‘keeper is arguably still at a relatively good age to develop in his position, and this could be done by learning from Dubravka in between the sticks for the new 2020/21 season and indeed being called up upon if and when needed.
Geordies, should Darlow stay at NUFC? Comment below!
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