Newcastle United reveal Loris Karius contract option as former Liverpool man officially signs

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius on a short-term contract.

Number two Karl Darlow suffered an ankle injury in training last Wednesday, which is likely to see the 31-year-old sidelined for the next few months.

With just Nick Pope and Mark Gillespie the only remaining senior goalkeepers, the Magpies wasted no time in exploring the free agent market.

Within 24 hours, Karius was contacted by United and travelled to Tyneside for a medical to put pen to paper on a contract until January, which includes an option to extend that until the end of the campaign.

Karius was registered as a Newcastle player on Thursday and included in the 25-man Premier League squad, however his unveiling was delayed following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

“We are pleased to add Loris to our goalkeeping group,” Howe said. “He is a very good goalkeeper with Premier League and European experience and he will provide competition and support over an important part of the season.”

Loris Karius reacts to Newcastle move

Karius added: “I’m excited. It’s a good opportunity for me and a great project to be part of. It didn’t take me long to make a decision.

“Newcastle have a great coach and play really attractive football. I felt it was the right project for me and I’m excited to work with the coaches and my new teammates.”

Karius becomes the Magpies’ fifth - and final - summer signing behind Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.

Howe was keen to add experience, something that Karius brings after six years at Liverpool and almost 250 career appearances to date.

The German has ploughed through some very difficult times too, with his well-documented mistakes in the 2018 Champions League final versus Real Madrid his last competitive outing for the Reds.

Karius spent two years on loan at Besiktas and had a spell at Union Berlin before seeing out the final year of his contract at Anfield.